Sunrise Autumn 2017

AUTUMN 2017 £2.50 Where Sold

The Magazine of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, United Kingdom

PASTOR AGU IRUKWU ELECTED CTE PENTECOSTAL PRESIDENT

GENERAL OVERSEER

FAITH

50 YEARS

OF MARRIAGE: PASTORS ENOCH & FOLU

ADEBOYE

FAMILY

COMMUNITY

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CONTENTS NO MORE LOSSES

FROM THE CENTRAL OFFICE

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EDITORIAL NOTES

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PASTOR AGU IRUKWU ELECTED CTE

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PENTECOSTAL PRESIDENT

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10 50 YEARS IN MARRIAGE - PASTORS ENOCH AND FOLU ADEBOYE 14 PRAY75

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16 FESTIVAL OF LIFE 18 REVIVAL 20 RCCG UK LAUNCHES CINEMA CHURCHES 22 AFRICA MISSIONS - PROGRESS REPORT

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24 COVENANT PARTNERS 25 HABITATION OF HOPE 27 RCCG SCHOOL OF MISSION 28 MOVEMENT DAY UK 30 THINK ON THESE THINGS 32 YOUTH 34 PURSUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS 40 RCCG’S CRISIS RESPONSE TRAINING 42 RCCG PRAYER SCHOOL 43 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE 44 CHARITY GOVERNANCE CODE 46 YOUTH AND EVANGELISM 48 MIME AS MINISTRY 50 WORSHIP 52 MARRIAGE 54 RELATIONSHIPS 56 MATTERS OF THE HEART 57 JUST BEFORE COURTSHIP (JB4) 58 MATHEMATICS OF MARRIGE 59 BOOKS YOU JUST MUST READ 60 GROW YOUR BUSINESS 64 WONDERS OF PRAYER DAY 2017 65 SCHOOL OF DISCIPLES UK ALUMNI 66 RCCG EVENTS 75 MENTORING 84 VOLUNTEERING WITH RCCG CENTRAL OFFICE 85 HOPE AT CHRISTMAS 86 CHURCH ADMINISTRATORS’ AND PERSONAL ASSISTANTS’ CONFERENCE 87 RCCG UK 2017/2018 EVENTS CALENDAR

ISSN NO:2042-6542 EDITORIAL BOARD

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Editor-in-Chief: MODUPE AFOLABI Managing Editor: YINKA ODUWOLE Editor: ANDREA ONDUKU Photographer (RCCG Events): KUSH Designed by: IFE SAMUEL Published by: The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Central Office, United Kingdom facebook.com/rccguk twitter.com/rccguk youtube.com/rccguk instagram.com/rccguk All Correspondence to: Sunrise Magazine, RCCG Central Office, Redemption House, Station Road, Knebworth, SG3 6AT The views expressed by contributors to sunrise are not necessarily a reflection of the official doctrinal positions of RCCG.The publisher, editors, contributors and related parties are not responsible in any way for the actions or results taken by any person, organisation or parties on the basis of reading information, stories or contributions to be found in this publication.

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NO MORE

LOSSES I

t is God’s will for us to profit and not to experience loss.

Isaiah 48:17 says “thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leaded thee by the way that thou shouldest go”. The word ‘loss’ is a horrible word, if you engage in a competition and you are defeated, they say you have lost. If you fight a war and the enemy overcame you, they say you lost. If you travel and you cannot locate you way back home, they say you are lost. If somebody precious to you should die, they say you have suffered a loss. You must get the word ‘loss’ out of your dictionary today because it is not God’s will for you.

Your lips can determine your future.

In Numbers 14:28, God said “Say to them, ‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you” Mark 11:23 says, “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says”. In other words, when you are praying and you believe, then, you will have whatsoever you say. Proverbs 13:2 says a man shall eat well by the fruit

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By Pastor E. A. Adeboye

of his mouth. Proverbs 18:20 says a man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth. It is interesting that these scriptures did not talk about the fruit of our hands but rather the fruit of our mouths.

Proverbs 18:21 says, death and life are in the power of the tongue, therefore whether you live or die is to be determined by your tongue.

In 2 Kings 7, a man of God said that in less than twenty four hours there would be abundance. A counsellor of the king, a learned man, a great academician, said, even if God were to open windows in heaven, how could this be? The man of God said, fine; you will see it but you won’t eat of it. The Bible tells us that when the abundance came and people were rushing to take their share, they trampled the man to death hence, he saw it, but he never ate out of it, because he had said it could not be.

In 2 Kings 4 18-37; the Shunammite woman, chose to accommodate and show hospitality to a man of God. As a result, the man of God prophesied into her life, and she had a son, however suddenly her son died. She took the child and laid him on the bed of the man of God then went out to look for him.

When her husband asked her why she was going to see the man of God, all she said was ‘It is well’. She

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maintained this confession until the child was brought back to life.

Just as life and death is in the power of your own tongue, know that there is also power in agreement, that is when you join another person to pray. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, says, two are better than one, and that a threefold cord is not easily broken.

In Mathew 18:19, Jesus Christ said, “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven”. As a Mathematician, I was trained to look for certain words when I am about to solve a problem, words such as: all, nothing, anything, as they determine the solution to the problem.

Here, the Almighty Jesus said, if two of you shall agree, as touching anything you ask on earth, it will be done by My Father in heaven; and He gave the reason why. In Mathew 18:20, He says it because when two or three are gathered together in His name, He is there in their midst.

In 2 Kings 7:1-11 - we read of four lepers who were in agreement and because they were agreed, they lifted the siege on their nation.

In Mark 2:1-11, four people who were in agreement, brought a man who was paralyzed from the neck downward to Jesus Christ and the man got his healing.

GENERAL OVERSEER God is a God of increase. He is always talking about increase and multiplication. In Genesis 1:28; the Bible says God created man in His own image and then He blessed them, and said, be fruitful and multiply. After the flood, in Genesis 9:1, when God was blessing Noah; again, He said be fruitful and multiply. In Genesis 17:12, when He was introducing Himself to Abraham as Jehovah El-Shaddai, the God who is more than a enough; again, He spoke about being fruitful and multiplying. In Genesis 22:15-18, when He was blessing Abraham and Isaac after Abraham obeyed Him and was willing to sacrifice his son before God stopped him, He said, ‘in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying, I will multiply your seed’. God wants to keep on multiplying you, He wants you to be much bigger than you are at the moment. You can never have a better business partner than God. In Mathew 13:3-9, He said that if you partner with Him, the minimum interest you can get is 30 percent; 30 percent, 60 percent, 100 percent that is what He promised. In 1 Kings 17:8-16, the Widow of Zarephath had only one meal left, God said to her, partner with me; give me that one and let me show you what I can do. She gave one meal, and she ate with her family for more than two and half years from the supply of God. In Luke 5:1-7; Peter became a partner of Jesus Christ and caught so much fish that two boats began to overflow. In Hebrews 11:6, the Bible says that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Christ came in and the loss ended. In Mark 10:46-52, is the story of Bartimaeus, he had lost forty years of his life as a beggar in total darkness until Jesus came in and all of a sudden, light came.

However, we must realise that when He makes an investment and the investment is not producing profit, He cancels the investment, after all He is a business man. In Luke 13:6-9, He planted a tree in the vineyard but after 3 years, there was still no fruit and He told the gardener to cut it down.

When you are in a relationship with this Almighty God, they’re can only be increase and profit, not loss.

WHAT SHOULD I DO SO THAT I WILL NEVER SUFFER A LOSS?

Divine involvement puts an end to losses. In John 5:2-9, there is a story of a man at the pool of Bethesda who had lost 38 years of his life until Jesus

The Bible that God has given us is a book of profits. 2 Timothy 3:15, says all scripture were given by God and is profitable. Ecclesiastes 5:9 says that the profit of the earth is for all.

So the question then is - why are some people suffering losses?

Ecclesiastes 10:10 says that wisdom is profitable to direct. Ecclesiastes 7:11, says that there is profit through wisdom. In other words, the difference between those who are profiting and those who are losing is wisdom.

Wisdom is the fear of God (Psalm 111:10) and wisdom is the correct application of knowledge. 1 Timothy 4:15 says you must meditate on the word of God and give yourself wholly to them; that profiting may appear.

Joshua 1:8 tells us that if we want to prosper, we must meditate on the word of God daily. James 1: 22-25, tell us that the people who will profit are not those who just hear but those who are doers of the word.

If fearing the word of God alone could make one successful, everybody by now should be more than successful. Failure to practice the word of God is what is causing losses.

Giving

Honour God with your profits and He will give you more. In 1 Samuel 2:30 God said He will honour those who honour Him. Proverbs 3:9-10, says that when you honour the Lord with your first fruit, He will make sure you have so much blessing that you won’t even be able to contain it. In Luke 6:38, Jesus said give and it shall be given unto you. 2 Corinthians 9:6 says that if you sow sparingly you will reap sparingly but when you sow bountifully you will reap bountifully.

The reason why many of us are dying financially is because we are too stingy. The Bible is given to make you profit. Galatians 6:7 says “God is not deceived, God is not mocked, whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap”.

Soul Winning

In John 15:16, Jesus said ‘You have not chosen Me, I have chosen you, that you go and make fruit and that your fruits abide, and whatsoever you ask the Father in My name shall be answer”. Be addicted to soul winning and you will have testimony that will baffle the world.

Place your times in His hands.

In Psalm 31:15, David said ‘my times are in Your hands’. Hand over everything to Him! He knows what do; He knows how you can profit like in the case of Peter, He knows where the fish are; labouring without Him is just fruitless effort. Without Him, you will just be suffering losses.

Godliness

1 Timothy 4:8 says godliness is profitable unto all things. We must therefore stay away from sin and live a godly life. 1 Samuel 15:22 says that to obey is better than sacrifice. In Deuteronomy 28:1-2, God says if you will harken diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, to observe and do all that He commands you; blessings will pursue you and over take you.

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Website: www.eaadeboye.com Twitter: @PastorEAAdeboye Facebook:

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FROM THE CENTRAL OFFICE

HE CAME TO GIVE YOU

REST! The scriptures put it this way: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). The owner of our souls is calling us to Himself, to give what we cannot access by our own efforts alone: rest.

The interesting observation here is that this call is to all who are weary and burdened.

‘Does that include me?’, you ask; well, only you can answer that question, although my understanding is that Jesus’ call was to the whole of humanity.

Ever since the fall at Eden through disobedience to God’s instructions by Adam and Eve, the world has not really been at rest. Look around you. In spite of the spectacular advances that have been recorded in science, technology and society, there is not really that much evidence of an enduring rest for humankind. In fact, some of those same advances mentioned are the root cause of the confusion that the world grapples with today. Day after day, men and women invent one new religion or belief system after www.sunrisemagazine.org

another, all in an unsatisfied quest to fill the void felt deep in their souls. Activity follows activity, with some even bordering on the bizarre, all in a desperate bid to satisfy the longing of the soul for peace and true rest.

As you and I know, in all these instances, it is a picture of motion without movement.

The road to true and lasting rest for our souls is a genuine response to the self-sacrificing call of Jesus Christ, that we should cease from our ultimately fruitless attempts at finding rest outside of God. We live in a fallen world; only Jesus Christ gives rest that lasts. In other words, rest is a gift, a gift from God to humanity and it comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. As with every gift from God, the way to access this blessing is to receive it with child-like faith. Jesus is gentle and humble in heart; the way to accessing His rest is for you and I to also come to Him with humility. There is rest available for us, and it’s all been paid for by Jesus Christ.

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But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

(2 Corinthians 12:9)

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erhaps one of the most profound statements made by our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ is found in the Book of Matthew. It is a clarion call to all who will hear those words, to come to the Messiah to fulfil a need that is at the heart of every person’s exertions in this world: rest.

I have often thought about why the One who does not need sleep or ever slumber took the unusual step of resting on the seventh day, following the acts of creation recorded in the Book of Genesis. Well, the answer may not be complex to decipher: He was setting us an example. We need to rest on the Lord’s goodness at all times: He that Pastor Modupe Afolabi has called us is faithful and will never leave or forsake you. Entrust yourself into His ev- is the Editor-in-Chief of Sunrise and Executive Administrator of erlasting arms and enter into your rest: RCCG Central Office.

Twitter: @MoAfolabi 6

EDITORIAL NOTES

GOD’S REST

Resting in Him is a Spiritual Place It is being close to His heart It is seeking HIS face We are living on earth

when we rest in HIM There is no need to strive We will show His love To those around

But HIS place is our home We are filled with HIM So we are never alone HE is the one that others will see

They will be touched Then His love will abound We live on this earth But HIS place is our home

When HE lives in us In you and me We will do HIS will

His “spiritual” place built by Him alone God is spirit it’s...by HIS Spirit we see

They will see HE’S alive

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hen we look in the dictionary to define the word ‘rest’, we see the most common definition which is ‘Cease work or movement in order to relax, sleep, or recover strength’. When we are told that we are in a season of rest or that God wants us to enter into His rest, this is what most of us will think of. We will shout an emphatic Hallelujah and breathe a sigh of relief that the hard work is over and we can relax. In fact, this is not the only definition of rest in the the English dictionary.

Rest can also mean to ‘Place hope, trust, or confidence on or in’.

ence it. For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God. For only we who believe can enter his rest…” (Hebrews 4:1-3) Rest is therefore not a cessation of action, it is not passive, rather, it is actively trusting in God, when challenges come, it is engaging in battles, knowing they are already won. It is essential that we take time to build our faith through the Word of God and we must then exercise our faith through prayer and preaching the gospel.

The Greek Word used in Hebrews 4:1 that is translated as rest is katapausis. This word means dwelling and habitation. This means that rest is dwelling and remaining in God. Remember that in John 15:4, Jesus said “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me”.

let His promises be in your mouth continually.

As always, there are many articles in this edition of Sunrise that will help to inform, encourage, build and strengthen you to abide in His promises and therefore His rest. There is also lots of information and testimonials about what God is doing through RCCG UK. Be encouraged as you read and please share with others as we celebrate God’s goodness together.

It’s your magazine; so please feel free to get in touch with your contributions and questions for the next edition.

There is a rest that comes to our Spirit, Soul and Body when we God’s Blessings, place hope, trust and confidence in God, that it, when we ‘rest’ in His promises. Talking of the Israelites, the writer of Hebrews says in Hebrews 3:19, “So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter his rest”. Continuing, he says, “God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that In this season, check that you are Andrea Onduku some of you might fail to experi- remaining in His promises daily, Editor 7

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PASTOR AGU IRUKWU

Elected Pentecostal President of Churches Together in England (CTE)

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he election of the Pentecostal President of Churches Together in England (CTE) was recently concluded with the selection of Pastor Agu Irukwu

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for the 4-year period October 2017 – September 2021. Pastor Agu takes his place as one of the six presidents of CTE. Churches Together in England (CTE) is a visible sign in England of the Churches’ commitment as they seek a deepening of their com-

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munion with Christ and with one another, and proclaim the Gospel together by common witness and service. Its strength comes from people from different traditions finding new ways to work and worship together.

ECUMENISM IN ACTION Churches Together in England is represented by Presidents from the major traditions of Member Churches. Currently there are six Presidents who each sign a Covenant which describes their commitment to each other and to the churches in England; they meet regularly and liaise on a wide variety of issues of common interest and concern. The CTE Presidents are the following:

churches of CTE and to facilitate the participation of the wider membership. The framework refers to local co-operative working, which means churches of more than one denomination working together intentionally at local level, with a clear missional purpose – a purpose that has a specific focus and is contextual-

• Archbishop Justin Welby The Archbishop of Canterbury • Cardinal Vincent Nichols The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster • Revd Dr Hugh Osgood The Free Churches Moderator • The Revd Canon Billy Kennedy The President nominated by the New Churches, the Religious Society of Friends (ie the Quakers) and the Lutheran and German-speaking Churches • Bishop Angaelos The President for the Orthodox Churches • Pastor Agu Irukwu The Pentecostal President As the CTE Presidents and member churches continue the quest to promote unity among the churches, two developments are worth highlighting: 1. A New Framework for Local Unity in Mission The new framework commended by the CTE Enabling Group, in 2016, has been developed in response to the changing Christian context and is intended to raise the level of mutual understanding between the member

ised within a particular locality.

The framework is intended to include the widest possible range of ways of churches to co-operate with one another in a variety of contexts. CTE’s General Secretary, David Cornick, suggests that A New Framework for Local Unity in Mission’ may well prove to be one of the most significant practical ecumenical documents of our time’. He adds: ‘The future is exciting. God has not finished with us yet!’

specific focus of ecumenism.

The Report acknowledged that important ecumenical progress has been made in the last twenty years, and that a significant number of Churches in England enjoy healthy relationships at the national level and collaborate vigorously at the local level.

It also pointed to areas needing improvement and one of the main recommendations going forward, is for CTE to clarify and ‘thicken’ its vision as a matter of urgency because all weaknesses and areas of concern correlate strongly with the absence of a clear vision for CTE. It further suggested for CTE to consider reshaping an ecumenical vision around mission; and also host substantive conversations on the nature, scope and practicalities of mission.

In accepting the strategic responsibility of CTE Pentecostal President, Pastor Agu described his election as a great honour and special privilege to serve Churches Together in England. He asked for continued prayers for himself and CTE as we work together to 2. Theos Report (Insights into CTE defend and establish the Chrisand contemporary ecumenism) tian faith in the United Kingdom.

Theos Report was officially re- Pray we must! leased during the September 2017 CTE Enabling Group meeting and it highlighted the fact Pastor (Dr) Marcus Chilaka that the contemporary ecumeniNational Ecumenical Officer cal landscape in England is com- The Redeemed Christian Church plex and continues to shift on of God, United Kingdom account of the following factors: the general climate of church deMembers of RCCG UK National cline; a national trend of falling Ecumenical Action Group (EAG): church attendance and Christian Pastors Marcus Chilaka, Yinka affiliation; economic and finanOduwole, Toyin Taiwo and Ade cial pressures faced by all ChurchAjayi es; the huge diversity of Christian Full versions of the New Framework for Local Unity in expression in the country; the Mission and the Theos Report can be obtained from the CTE website: www.cte.org.uk variety of views on Christian unity; and differences regarding the 9

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HAPPY th

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY PASTOR & PASTOR (MRS) E. A.

ADEBOYE

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh”

Genesis 2:24

50 YEARS OF MARRIAGE: 8th SEPTEMBER 1967 - 8th SEPTEMBER 2017

PASTOR AGU IRUKWU

CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES & EXECUTIVE COUNCIL RCCG UK

RCCG UK SPEARHEADS REVIVAL PRAYER INITIATIVE day. The future of the nation hangs in the balance as we face a myriad of challenges that do not seem to have straightforward and natural solutions. It is therefore imperative that as God’s representatives on earth and particularly here in the UK, we should turn to Him in prayers for answers and solutions. We are believing God to raise such a ground-swell of prayer that something will certainly shift spiritually in this nation.”

A special website (www.pray75.church) was setup for the prayer initiative where people were able to sign up to commit to praying on the day or days of their choice for a minimum of 75 minutes using the prayer guidelines and scriptures also hosted on the website.

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n the post-Brexit era of perceived instability and uncertainty in the UK, RCCG UK launched a 75-day prayer sprint tagged ‘Pray 75’ which saw hundreds of people set aside 75 mins each day to intercede for the nation for 75 days.

The name of the initiative and the choice of 75 days ties into what has become a symbolic number for us this year as the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor E. A. Adeboye, turned 75 on the 2nd March 2017.

Pastor Agu Irukwu, the chairman of the Executive board of RCCG in the UK said: “We are living in unprecedented times in the UK towww.sunrisemagazine.org

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with the setting up of a Pray75 Webinar on each of the last three days for 75mins each evening from 9pm to 10.15pm.

Several encouraging videos, including ones posted

by The General Overseer and senior Pastors in the UK alongside other resources were used to galvanise the praying community along as the 75 days Over 1000 people signed up for the webinar during the period as a range of leaders led the various progressed. prayer sessions. The final day of the webinars and As the prayer sprint navigated into the last stretch, a of the Pray75 initiative saw the sessions being led digital and social media strategy was created to op- by the regional pastors in The UK - Pastor Bioye timise the campaign. This brought even more impe- Segun (Northern Ireland), Pastor Kola Bamigbade tus to the corporate intercession as we remember (Scotland), Pastor Andrew Adeleke (Wales) and Pasthe quote of E.M. Bounds – ‘God shapes the world tor Agu Irukwu who also oversees England. In the by prayer. The more praying there is in the world final moments of the webinar, The General Overseer the better the world will be, the mightier the forces himself, Pastor E. A. Adeboye pronounced prayers of blessings on The United Kingdom and on the gathagainst evil…’ ered praying saints.

For more information, please visit www.pray75.church.

The final 75 hours of the Pray 75 initiative was the crowning pinnacle as a digital gathering was called 15

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FESTIVAL OF LIFE: PLATFORM FOR REVIVAL FESTIVAL OF LIFE WALES July 2017

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he Festival of Life was held at the Motor Point Area in Cardiff on Wednesday 21st July 2017. The theme was ‘The Lifter of My Head’. It was a wonderful evening of inspirational worship, prayer and the Word of God brought by our General Overseer, Pastor E. A Adeboye.

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UNITED KINGDOM, RIPE FOR REVIVAL?

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here have been many conversations recently concerning the moral decadence that is rife in the UK at the moment. It seems that everywhere one turns, immorality is on display. What was once a taboo, only to be voiced in secret is now proudly displayed in every forum imaginable.

The media has had a huge part to play in this, stories that would not normally see the light of day are all over the newspapers. The misdemeanours of celebrities and their endless adultery tales are dissected in workplaces and homes throughout the country from the morning news programs. Television that once had a watershed of 9pm, has gradually seen a shift in what is acceptable to be shown before 9pm. Years ago, what we would see if watching a TV soap or drama before 9pm would be a couple leading each other upstairs and what they planned to do was left to the viewer’s imagination, now we are subjected to a great deal of passionate kissing and tearing off of clothes before the said couple goes out of shot and all this as children are watching. Adverts are increasingly suggestive and sexual in nature no matter what time of day they are shown and alternative lifestyles have been normalised.

Children’s cartoons and programs have not been left out, with an increase of rudeness to parents and negative attitudes being portrayed and a normalisation of witchcraft and vampirism. www.sunrisemagazine.org

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REVIVAL The education system is exposing young children to issues such as homosexuality and transgenderism at an early age. One school was recently in the news as it outlawed skirts in its uniform policy so as to make their uniform ‘gender neutral’. Due to these issues listed and many more, some would say that we have reached a hopeless situation where immorality is the norm and Christianity is declining. Some say they don’t want to bring children into a society with little morality and others are wondering where it is all going to end up.

You may be surprised to know that this is not the first time in history that the UK is in this predicament. The devil may have come up with a different strategy but his aims are the same.

According to Diane Severance, Ph.D.,England, at the beginning of the eighteenth century, was in a “moral quagmire and a spiritual cesspool”.

Thomas Carlyle who was a Scottish philosopher, satirical writer, essayist, translator, historian, and teacher in the eighteen century described the country’s condition as “Stomach well alive, soul extinct.” Sir William Blackstone, an eighteenth century, English jurist, judge and politician visited the church of every major clergyman in London, but said what he heard was not Christianity but philosophy!

Dr. Diane in her article ‘Evangelical Revival in England’, describes England as a place where ‘drunkenness was rampant; gambling was extensive, newborns were exposed in the streets and 97% of the infant poor in the workhouses died as children. Bear baiting and cock fighting were accepted sports, and tickets were sold to public executions as to a theatre”.

Bishop Berkeley, a Christian philosopher from Ireland, wrote that morality and religion in Britain had collapsed “to a degree that was never known in any Christian country.”

You can see that the situation appeared hopeless but God was about to turn things around. According to Dr. Diane, “About the same time, George Whitefield, an ordained An-

glican clergyman, was converted and in 1737 began preaching in London and Bristol. In order to reach the many non-church-goers, Whitefield spoke in the open fields, and large crowds began gathering to hear the message of salvation. In his day, itinerant preachers were often criticized as interfering with or undermining the role of the parish priest. Whitefield countered that many of the established clergy could not bring life to their people since they themselves were spiritually dead”.

The example of George Whitfield spoke to John Wesley, who later became the founder of the Methodist Church. Prior to hearing about Whitefield, Wesley thought it was only appropriate to preach to people in church. He had been rejected from most churches because of the uncompromising messages he preached. He was persecuted, mocked and even experienced violence. Despite this, he began preaching in the open air and was able to reach multitudes. He went to preach to the miners, the poor and those in prison.

During his ministry John Wesley rode over 250,000 miles on horseback and preached over 40,000 sermons! He took the gospel of Jesus Christ to the very heart of society. He was like John the Baptist, eking behind the established religious leaders, living on a very small stipend and preaching repentance, holiness and faith.

He noted in his journal that “the Word of God ran as fire among the stubble; it was glorified more and more; multitudes crying out, ‘What must I do to be saved?’ and afterwards witnessing, ‘By grace we are saved through faith.’” According to Wikipedia, Wesley, “moving across Great Britain and Ireland, helped form and organise small Christian groups that developed intensive and personal accountability, discipleship and religious instruction.

Most importantly, he appointed itinerant, unordained evangelists to travel and preach as he did and to care for these groups of people. Under Wesley’s direction, Methodists became leaders in many social issues of the 19

day, including prison reform and the abolition of slavery”.

According to Dr. Diane Severance, “Wesley used all the profits from his literary works for charitable purposes, and he encouraged Christians to become active in social reform. He himself spoke out strongly against the slave trade and encouraged William Wilberforce in his antislavery crusade. Numerous agencies promoting Christian work arose as a result of the eighteenth century revival in England. Antislavery societies, prison reform groups, and relief agencies for the poor were started. Numerous missionary societies were formed; the Religious Tract Society was organised; and the British Foreign Bible Society was established. Hospitals and schools multiplied”.

This sparked a revival that changed the face of society. Change occurred at every level. England turned around due to the combination of preaching to people at a grass roots level, equipping others to do likewise and the Church being involved in social reform. England was transformed by the revival. In 1928 Archbishop Davidson who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1903 to 1928 wrote that “Wesley practically changed the outlook and even the character of the English nation.”

The question is who will God use in the 21st Century to turn this country around? Will it be you? Will you leave the confines of the church and share the gospel to those on the streets, prisons and hospitals? Will you speak out against injustice and get involved in Social Action and helping the needy? Will you pray for those that are at the forefront of such ministry?

Let us not join in to discuss the hopelessness of a decadent society, rather let us be part of the solution. Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The same God who used men to turn the country around in the 18th Century can do it again in the 21st Century!

Andrea Onduku www.sunrisemagazine.org

RCCG IS COMING TO A VUE CINEMA NEAR YOU!

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f course, anyone with the faintest notion of what captures the imagination of RCCG would tell you unequivocally, ‘Oh, RCCG plants churches everywhere!’ For avid coffee drinkers, they often add, ‘Yeah, RCCG pops up everywhere, a bit like Starbucks!’ Well, if you thought you’d seen everything, hold on to your seats: An RCCG church is coming to a cinema near you!

RCCG UK’s latest church-planting project is an exciting foray into the world of Big Screen entertainment, with an agreement having been sealed with Vue Entertainment – a leader in premium cinema entertainment in the United Kingdom – to use their state-of-the-art cinemas as places of worship each week.

With over 85 cinemas spread across the country, these new RCCG churches are expected to further extend the reach of the Church of Jesus Christ to centres www.sunrisemagazine.org

and hubs of cultural activity.

The brain-child of RCCG UK chairman Pastor Agu Irukwu, the first phase of the Cinema Church project has as its target, to plant 50 new parishes in 2017, thereby complementing 36 other RCCG churches already established this year via other church-planting projects. At the beginning of the year, Pastor Agu had set a target of 100 new churches for the mission; that number is fast being approached and by God’s grace, could even be exceeded. We serve a God who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we could ever ask or think.

The better part of the summer was spent recruiting and equipping the new set of church-planters who would oversee ministry at the Vue cinemas. “We are trusting in the Lord to deliver on Pastor Agu’s vision for the Cinema Churches, and with God’s help, exceed that number”, says Pastor Tolu 20

Olajide who leads the delivery team working on the project.

Exciting days are ahead for the spread of the good news of Jesus Christ in the British Isles!

Vue Cinema Centres to host RCCG churches in the first phase include those at Finchley, Romford, Thurrock, Grants, Staines, Preston, Darlington, Cramlington, Bolton, Bury, Leamington, Northampton, Cardiff, Birmingham and Purley.

Pastor Agu’s big picture for church-planting in the UK is to have an RCCG parish in every electoral ward in the country.

When the numbers are totalled, this comes to 9,523 wards in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Of course, with over 830 existing parishes in the UK, a moderate number of these wards already have an RCCG presence. The vision, of course, is to plant strong and vibrant churches easily accessible to people.

By Yinka Oduwole

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Cleave to Who�? This book was inspired by the Holy spirit, looking into choosing a life partner.

It is certain to change the experience and mindset of many young people about to commit to marriage. The path and resulting consequences of Patriarchs in the Bible in embarking on this journey of a lifetime is dissected. This book will support parents of young adults and teachers in the youth ministry, giving them guidelines on how to support young people towards achieving their marital goal. Finally, this book also provides probable answers to why we have marital delay.

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ABOUT

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MOVEMENT DAY UK WORLD CHRISTIAN LEADERS GATHER IN LONDON

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rom October 6th to 7th 2017, Church and Christian leaders from across the world gathered in Westminster, London for Movement Day which was held last year in New York. Delegates travelled to London from Asia, across Europe, Africa, The Americas and as far as Australia. The venue for this global event was the Central Methodist Hall in Westminster.

Various speakers shared with passion stories of Christian unity that are transforming towns and cities across the world. The common theme throughout the two day gathering was transformation and fulfilling the mission of God for cities and towns.

Church leaders across denominational backgrounds came together in friendship and prayer for their towns and cities. Beyond the local church, Christians in politics, government, health, education, business, sports, charities and the arts strategically collaborated for the purpose of impacting their communities. This was achieved by sharing a common purpose and relational unity while discovering the power of working together as one. Amazing and Inspirational testimonies of Christians initiating cultural, social and spiritual transformation www.sunrisemagazine.org

in various places were shared that were very fascinating and encouraged attendees that the hope of a global revival cannot be considered a farce or unachievable.

Day One was extremely intriguing, beyond the plenary sessions, workshops and breakout sessions, there was an open air prayer rally at the Parliament Square during which our Chairman and SATGO, Pastor Agu Irukwu amongst others led a session of prayers in his capacity as President for the Pentecostals, in the Churches Together in England for the period (2017-2021). The atmosphere was soulful and moving, as hundreds of leaders passionately prayed for the Gospel to be revived in Great Britain being a foremost missionary sending nation years ago and now becoming a missionary receiving nation.

During the final plenary session of the gathering, Pastor Agu Irukwu was interviewed by Reverend Yemi Adedeji as part of a panel of leaders of the One People Commission, during which emphasis was made again on the need to working together across cultural and racial boundaries for a united Christian voice in Great Britain.

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At the end of the two-day gathering, Pastor Agu Irukwu gave the final charge where he spoke concerning the qualities needed by a leader who will transform towns and cities. He highlighted six qualities that a leader should possess, they should be relational, kingdom-minded, strategic, visionary, humble, faith-driven and prayerful. He concluded by anchoring on the sixth point that prayer and fasting is the key to the transformation of towns, cities and nations. He drew his Biblical text from Nehemiah 1:3-4 which says “And they said to me, “The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” return to their towns, cities and nations to begin persevering and travailing in prayers because “… the In this passage, Nehemiah in seeing the degree of weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty devastation of Jerusalem ‘sat down’, then, wept and through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) mourned for many days and thereafter, he fasted Casting down imaginations, and every high thing and prayed. Pastor Agu went forth to say that our that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, collective prayer as believers should be like that of and bringing into captivity every thought to the Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in Matthew 6:10 obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:4-6). He conwhich is “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in cluded by admonishing that like Elijah, we must pray earth, as it is in heaven.” He reminded the gather- earnestly. James 5:17-18 states that “Elijah was a man ing of Ephesians 6:12 which says “For we wrestle not with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that against flesh and blood, but against principalities, it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of three years and six months. 1And he prayed again, this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its Emphasis was made that leaders must tarry in the fruit.” He assured that if we pray, God will answer and place of prayer and wrestle like Jacob did with the heal our towns, cities and nations. angel of God (Genesis 32:22-32).

Dr. Akpo Onduku

Continuing, he encouraged all delegates on their 29

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THINK ON THESE THINGS

CULTURE 2.0

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Dr Yinka Oduwole

is the Managing Editor of Sunrise and Pastor of The Risen Christ, Knebworth.

Twitter: @YinkaOduwole 31

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MAKING MAXIMUM IMPACT AS A

YOUNG PERSON

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ife just keeps moving forward, hour by hour, and day by day. Unfortunately, we don’t get any replays, once a day is gone, there is no way to get it back.

Because of this truth, we must live our lives in a way that will result in having a maximum spiritual impact on those around us.

In Acts 20:17-35 we read about the apostle Paul who stopped at Miletus on his way to Jerusalem and sent a message for the Ephesian elders (pastors) to meet him there. He had spent almost three years of his life in the city of Ephesus. There, he established a local church and won many people to Christ. These people were dear to his heart.

Paul knew that this probably would be the last time he would ever see these men. What would be his last words? He began to recount his time with them and review the godly pattern that he had set. Paul had lived his life for maximum impact. Why we he choose to spend his last moments with them recounting the good he had done among them? I believe that he wanted to use his own life as a testimony to encourage them that if they did likewise, they too would make impact as he had done.

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YOUTH HOW CAN YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE FOR MAXIMUM SPIRITUAL IMPACT? 1. Serve the Lord with humility (Acts 20:19) 2. Tell others what you know about the Lord (Acts 20:20-21) 3. Live a life of sacrifice (Acts 20:22-24) Our flesh doesn’t like humility or sacrifice. The world teaches us that we should do only what feels good, what makes us happy and what is to our advantage.

However Apostle Paul tells us that we must die to the flesh and live according to the Spirit (Romans 8:13). Paul’s first thought was always: “How will this help the cause of Christ and others?”

Paul was compelled in his spirit to go to Jerusalem despite the fact that it most likely meant persecution and even death. Remember that he had said “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” Philippians 1:21. He knew that he would face imprisonment and suffering but he said “…none of these things move me…”

Indeed he states in Acts 20:24 “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God”.

In this verse is the reason that Apostle Paul made maximum impact, he lived unto Christ, not unto himself.

Of Jesus, he said, “He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them”(2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

Paul viewed his life as a gift to be used to magnify Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:20-21 says “If I live and continue my physical life, it is all to be used unto Christ and for Christ. If I die serving the Lord, it is gain because I will be with the One I love so much.” This does not mean that God wants us all to die as martyrs, rather His desire is that we live our life unto Him. We should be living sacrifices for Him (Romans 12:1).

People who live their lives for maximum impact do not have a “me-first” attitude.

You would not make the level of sacrifice needed to get to the top if you were always thinking of your comfort.

When you wake up in the morning, Thank God for another day of life. Ask Him to help you to be a blessing to somebody in that day and even to be able to lead somebody to Jesus When we live a life of sacrifice, we exalt Christ and we are a blessing to those around us. However, it is not only others that are blessed. We too will be blessed with joy in our hearts. Notice in Acts 20:24, it says “…so that I might finish my course with joy.” Apostle Paul was saying that a sacrificial mindset is necessary in order to finish our course with joy.

When we read V26-30, we see that when Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Paul (then Saul), had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to him. They became persuaded and so Paul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly.

However, when he preached to some Greek-speaking Jews, they tried to murder him.

When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown. Here we see that, thirdly Saul became discouraged. He didn’t protest, when the believers took him back to where he came from.

PEOPLE WHO LIVE THEIR LIVES FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT DO NOT HAVE A “ME-FIRST” ATTITUDE

Do you want to have an impact on your family?

Live a life of sacrifice.

Do you want to have an impact on your neighbors and co-workers?

Live a life of sacrifice.

Do you want to be a person of impact in your church? Live a life of sacrifice.

Do you want a blessing? Be a blessing to somebody else! When you live a life of sacrifice, your life has maximum impact!

There is no greater joy and fulfillment in life than this.

However be aware that you must be strong and courageous because maximum impact makes the devil afraid. Let me give you an example: In Acts 9: 19-25 we read that Paul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. He immediately began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues. Those who heard him said, “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?”

First they tried to remind him of his past and that he was not qualified!

His preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but he was told about their plot. So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall. You see, secondly the devil tried to take him out but couldn’t kill him.

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Throughout the rest of Chapter 9, 10 and most of 11, Paul is out of the picture and the focus is on Peter.

In the latter part of Acts 11, we read that Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul.

When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people.

If not for Barnabas going to look for Paul and bringing him back with him to Antioch, would he have made maximum impact, would he have been used for maximum exploits? It is in Chapter 13 we see the beginning of Paul’s amazing exploits for God. This scenario teaches us to be watchful of the strategies of the enemy, being reminded of our past, physical attack, discouragement and even an attempt to rearrange our destiny.

Don’t fall for it, resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:7). Remember you can live your life for maximum spiritual impact by serving the Lord with humility, telling others what you know about the Lord and living a life of sacrifice.

By: Andrea Onduku

www.sunrisemagazine.org

The Prodigal goes to

University S tatistics suggest that approximately 73% of our youths don’t attend church whilst away at university and invariably lose their faith because they lose touch with the Word. After years of engrafting the word of God on their hearts, they lose in 3 years or 4 years, what they have learnt for over 18 years. This is the dilemma of most parents and churches. We let them go but end up losing them altogether.

Finding a church at university is not usually at the top of any student’s list of priorities. They are focused on finding accommodation, student finance, a change of wardrobe and lectures. www.sunrisemagazine.org

That’s why the story of the prodigal who left home for a far away land readily comes to mind. Luke 15, gives a little insight into what happens to our uni students whilst away from home.

They do not leave with the intention of drifting away from God but a change of priorities often causes it nevertheless.

A lot of young people cannot wait to leave home. Whilst leaving home is not necessarily a bad idea, the motive for leaving home might have alarming undertones. Some youths make it a priority to apply to universities that are a minimum of four hours away drive away so that they can have their ‘freedom’. Counting down the days to go to 34

university in the eyes of most young people seems the only way to regain a happiness that has seemingly eluded them and moving away from parents, siblings, their local church and the environment they have known all their lives brings with it a form of excitement. They will finally have their own space, be able to manage their own finances and time with no supervision nor restraints on how to live their lives.

They want to be independent and live according to their own rules.

For some young people, it isn’t an issue of wanting to escape but just a chance for something new and enriching. Leaving home opens up opportunities for growth and discovery.

We must be ready as parents, youth

leaders, ministry leaders, Pastors and mentors to address these issues with young people before they leave for University and follow up on them once they are there. We must prepare them for what they will encounter at University and teach them how to stay on the right path.

FINANCES

They must be able to develop financial intelligence. It is important that students realise that the student loan that they go to University with, is exactly that … A LOAN! The money that the Prodigal Son had was his father’s money, it was not money that he had worked for. This meant that financially, he wasn’t exactly independent because wealth is something you earn and build. This made it easy for him to throw everything his father worked for away, hence his riotous living. The student loan is going to be paid back for several years after they start to work.

A sense of entitlement is something young people struggle with. They have to be reminded that it is a loan to be paid back so that they will use it wisely. At 18, they really don’t need to spend £300 on their hair or go on holiday to Dubai just because their friends are going. They have to be content with who they are and what they have.

They must also be able to budget, make use of online banking, collect their receipts and make a list of their necessary spending every month so that they will not overspend. Help them with this initially and keep them accountable.

LONELINESS

A lot of young people don’t like to admit it but as University is usually their very first time away from home, loneliness creeps in unannounced, uninvited and most times unnoticed.

This becomes problematic because of the close relationship between loneliness and mental health. According to mental health research, loneliness is linked to increased stress, depression, paranoia, anxiety, addiction, cognitive decline and is also a known factor in suicide. If they are left to their own devices, they begin to try out different things in a new environment just to

combat loneliness Whilst social media and the internet can be a plus, it can also be a problem. Technology is beneficial when it enables students to communicate with distant loved ones whom they left at home but it can slowly replace face-to-face contact and our youth develop virtual relationships which can deepen social isolation. They can begin to compare their lives to those portrayed on social media and this can drive them deeper into depression.

This can lead them to lose their identity, self worth, self esteem, faith and zeal and this can lead them to parties, clubs, alcohol, drugs and immorality.

It is essential then, to be sure that students leaving home, know that this is something they will face and how to combat it. Their priority must be to become part of a church family where they can belong and get involved which will prevent them from becoming isolated.

NEED

The scripture says in Luke 15:14-15 “….and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country…” Leaving his father’s home as with any youth, was a big deal but things begin to become more difficult as they realise they do have a need. Being in need can lead them to being led astray especially if the need comes from an emotional place as this leaves them unable to logically decide the correct way to meet their need.

FRIENDSHIPS

Verse 15 says ... The prodigal son went and “attached” himself to a citizen of that country. Whether we like it or not our young people will ‘attach’ themselves to something or someone whilst at University. We need to counsel them on the attachments they should and shouldn’t make. Friendships mean a lot to young people as they find acceptance, confidence, confidants, excitement, fun as well as a sense of belonging. But what happens when they attach themselves to a ‘nameless citizen’ who then introduces them to a new ‘diet’. If friendships don’t add value to an individual, they will depreciate their worth and diminish their value. In moments of need or loneliness individuals can get emotionally driv35

en to the wrong type of company or friends. Note that feelings change and moments fade, before ‘joining’ themselves to anyone, individuals need to check their heart and ask the following questions: What value are they adding to me and what am I adding to them?

Begin to see friendships as a beneficial transactions, where both parties are improving each other. Remember Proverbs 27:17 which tells us that iron sharpens iron. Fervent prayers can lead students to to the right people that will not detour them from their destiny (Proverbs 18:14).

THE MIND

A number of issues can cause a decline in the mental, spiritual, academic, emotional and physical health of students. One functional tool in all these spheres is THE MIND. It is the most dangerous, yet the most precious tool a person has. The mind resides in the soul which is also the place of intellect and emotions as well as will. It is therefore important to note that whatever controls a person’s soul controls them.

In the 21st Century Education system, children are taught to critique, challenge ideologies and ask questions.

Einstein said that questioning is critical to learning and solving problems but yet in church we are told ‘You can’t question the Almighty’. This leads young people to go of to University with a supposed knowledge of God but to come back questioning if He truly exists. We must allow young people to ask questions and be prepared to answer them if they are to retain their faith.

In Luke 15:17, the Bible says that the Prodigal son came to his senses. We must help our young people to understand the importance of triumphing in the battlefield of their minds. They must guard their hearts above all else, for it will determine the course of their life (Proverbs 4:23).

Oluwatoyin Ajala Writer , poet and Youth pastor Co-Founder Trustbridge Academy

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THE PURSUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

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he Christian life is a one of great responsibility.

Romans 14:17 declares that “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Therefore, righteousness is a key feature in God’s kingdom. Matthew 6:33 enjoins us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Consequently, the kingdom and righteousness are linked and interrelated.

Richard L. Strauss (1984) writing on the “The Joy of Knowing God” points out that the righteousness of God is one of the most prominent attributes of God in the Scriptures but it is also one of the most elusive. The NLT version of 1 Timothy 6:11 says, “But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.”

Therefore, righteousness needs to be pursued. Also, C. S. Lewis admonishes that the believer must desire to be holy in heart and be righteous in conduct.

Therefore, God Almighty wants us to passionately pursue right living or righteousness. He has set the standard in the Bible. The Word of God shows us the benefits of right living or rightwww.sunrisemagazine.org

eousness with God. In Deuteronomy 28:1-2, we are enjoined, “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.” The precursor to righteous living is simply traced to one word and that is in ‘obedience’. Obedience is key to the manifestation of the blessings of God. That is why, Job 36:11 says “If they obey and serve Him, They shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.” It is my prayer that you will enjoy God’s promises in Jesus name.

So what is righteousness? Who are the righteous and why pursue righteousness? What are the consequences of unrighteousness?

What is Righteousness?

The theology of the cross gives us an understanding of who God is and how He saves. The cross is a symbolism of righteousness and God’s saving grace.

2 Corinthians 5:21 says “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” At the cross, Jesus Christ gave it all to redeem humankind 36

to God Almighty.

Dictionaries define righteousness as “behaviour that is morally justifiable or right.” Such behaviour is characterized by accepted standards of morality, justice, virtue, or uprightness. The Bible’s standard of human righteousness is God’s own perfection in every attribute, every attitude, every behaviour and every word. Therefore, God’s laws, as given in the Bible, both describe His own character and constitute the plumb line by which He measures human righteousness.

The Greek New Testament word for “righteousness” primarily describes it as conduct in relation to others, especially with regards to the rights of others in business, in legal matters, and beginning with a relationship to God. It is contrasted with wickedness which is the conduct of the one who, out of gross self-centeredness, neither reveres God nor respects man.

Righteousness is the quality of being morally right or justifiable. Righteousness is defined as conformity to God’s law, both in our hearts and in our deeds, inside and outside. Simply, righteousness is the character of God. We are not to be passive; we are to be active in faith in pursuing God. The righteousness of God is His character

that vindicates His people.

Who are the righteous?

The Cambridge Dictionary says that the righteous are people who behave in a way that is morally correct. The Bible describes the righteous person as just or right, holding to God and trusting in Him (Psalm 33:18–22). The good news is that true righteousness is possible for humankind, but only through the cleansing of sin by Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Romans 4:3 says “For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” The Amplified version of this same scriptures says “For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed in (trusted, relied on) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living, right standing with God).”

Furthermore, righteousness is one of the chief attributes of God as portrayed in the Hebrew Bible. Its chief meaning concerns ethical conduct (for example, Leviticus 19:36; Deuteronomy 25:1; Psalm 1:6; Proverbs 8:20).

In the Book of Job the title character is introduced to us as a person who is perfect in righteousness. Job 13:15 says “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.” There is no man that does not sin; and there is no man inherently righteous.

Romans 3:10 simply declares, “As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;” While 1 John 1:8 says “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

And 1 John 1:10 “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” But we are encouraged to be holy. Furthermore, 1 Peter 1:15-16 admonishes us that “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

Drawing from the encounter of Jesus and the woman caught in the very act of adultery (John 8:1-11), we can see the extent of the mercies of God. Be merciful to the sinner. Ephesians 2:4 says our God is rich in mercies. Jesus said to the adulterous woman, “go woman but sin no more”. We must love the sinner but hate the sin. Do not cel-

ebrate sin. It is a dangerous thing to do. It is not confession of sins that matters, but ensuring that it does not happen again is more important. Romans 6:1 says “Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace?” It is said that wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it. Right is right, even if no one is doing it. I pray that you will do what is right in Jesus name. These are the days of heaven on earth, may God Almighty grant you the grace to manifest His righteousness in Jesus name.

Why Pursue Righteousness?

Proverbs 11:10 says “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when t h e wicke d

R TO O S R U C E THE PR S LIVING OU E T H G I D TO R E C A R YT L P M I AT S H T IS D N DA R O W E E’.

C ON N E I D BE IS IN ‘O

perish, there are shouts o f joy.” The verse 11 says, “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.” Jesus did wonders because of the degree of righteousness that He lived with. The Holy Bible says in Psalms 37:29 that “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell in it forever.” So, the righteous are greatly blessed. God Almighty has assured them and declared them as such. Beyond this, we can identify that the righteous commands God’s respect and manifests His glory (Proverbs 29:2). The righteous also carries His honour (Isaiah 3:10) and loves His presence (Psalm 27:4-5). In addition, the righteous are assured prosperity (Psalms 92:12); they live long (Psalms 92:12; Psalms 118:17); the righteous are carriers of God’s anointing (Psalms 92:10); the righteous are favoured

by God (Isaiah 1:19); the righteous are given a second chance (Proverbs 24:16). That means God is merciful to the righteous. The righteous are blessed (Psalm 37:29). Also, the righteous are guaranteed divine safety (Psalm 37

91:1); and the righteous are always joyful (Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 16:11). In all, the righteous are blessed even at death in many ways (Numbers 23:10; Proverbs 14:32; Isaiah 57:1-2).

Consequences of Unrighteousness There is a whole lot of deception in the world. It is a dangerous thing to lie to the Holy Spirit. In Acts 5: 1-4, the Bible says “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control?

Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” The end of Ananias was death. Continuing, in verses 9-10, the same was the end of his wife. “Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last ….” We can deduce then that righteousness connotes purity. When God shows up, He sets things right. God Almighty will judge the unrighteous. Matthew 5:8 says “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” That means, heaven is a guaranteed destination for the righteous while hell is that for the unrighteous except God intervenes. May God grant you the grace to be heaven-bound in your pursuit of righteousness in Jesus mighty name.

Dr. Akpo Onduku Pastor, Chapel of Grace Bradford Twitter: @AkpoOnduku

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N O I S I V PRO

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IN THE WILDERNESS

he wilderness is a barren wasteland that is uninhabited. A close synonym for wilderness is the “desert” where there is scarcity of water which is essential for life. The wilderness is an unpleasant place that is riddled with lack and uncertainty. In the scriptures, the wilderness was particularly connected to the Israelites after the miraculous parting of the red sea as they journeyed to the promised land. The question is, why would God lead His children through the wilderness after such a display of His Almightiness?

In Matthew 3:16-17, after Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist, the heavens opened and there was a public declaration of God’s approval of Jesus as His Beloved Son of whom He is well pleased. Immediately in the next chapter that follows, He was led by the Spirit of God into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Why would a loving Father lead His only begotten Son through the wilderness?

The Christian race is a journey and the wilderness is a common experience that every believer at one point or another will have to go through. It comprises of tests and trials which we are expected to overcome. Let’s take a critical look at some of the characteristics of the wilderness that is orchestrated by God. It’s a lonely Path: On the last day, the scripture says each of us will give an account of himself (Romans 14:12). God has created every man and woman with a unique purpose to fulfil in life and it is this uniqueness that shapes the wilderness experience that we have to go through in life. This suggests that our wilderness experiences differ. When we go through the wilderness, it sometimes seems we are alone and our challenges seem to be peculiar to us. People around may offer help and show care in diverse ways to encourage us but because they cannot bring about the solution that we desire, we tend to withdraw back to our shells. Often times, this has led many to look back and compromise their faith in God. However, for those that withdraw from the crowd to cry out to the Lord in secret will find solace in God alone. At other times we feel forsaken, but the word of God says in Hebrews 13:5 “………I will never leave you nor forsake you”.

The word of God is so powerful and when we live each day in the consciousness of His presence, it gives us the www.sunrisemagazine.org

impetus to move on.

It’s a place of total dependence on God as your only source: As we recline to God in our lonely state, we see Him at work in our lives and that propels us to look unto Him alone for everything. Throughout the scriptures, it is affirmed and reaffirmed that “the just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:7, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:18). Living by faith is total dependence on God for life and that is God’s ultimate purpose for mankind. As we please Him with our steps and actions of faith, we see His manifest presence in our lives. He shows up in various ways and goes ahead of us to fight battles on our behalf when we least expect it. Living by faith also means waiting on Him in the place of prayer, seeking His face for His intervention and remaining at the centre of His will to bring our heart desires to fruition at His appointed time where He alone will take all the glory. When our focus is on Him, He uses different vessels to reach out to us.

He brings destiny helpers on our way, people we never thought could be of help, just to prove that He is in control and can use anything and anyone to accomplish His purposes in our lives.

It’s a place where we develop a deeper relationship with Him: God desires an intimate relationship with His children. We live in a busy world where everything seems to be vying for our attention. The 21st century is typified by the busy, rush syndrome and plenitude of urban life which poses a challenge to our spiritual growth.

As we make Him the focus of our lives, He reveals Himself to us in different dimensions as our Source, our Helper, our Rock, our Defence, the Resurrection and the Life. He reveals His word which is our anchor to hold on to tenaciously as we walk through the wilderness. He takes us through the process of pruning and the removal of excess weights that are not necessary in this journey so that our lives can be a picture of Him. He reveals deep things and the mysteries of the kingdom to us so that our understanding is enlightened and sharpened. We discover ourselves and what He has deposited in us to be used for His kingdom on earth. As we grow in Him, nothing else matters other than just being in His presence where we find contentment and expressions of His love for our souls. The Psalmist described it succinctly in Psalm 42:1, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, my God” and this is the place where God longs to see us.

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It’s a place of temptations: The wilderness is a valley of decision where we are constantly bombarded with choices. Moses was speaking to the people of God in Deuteronomy 30:19 “…….. that I have set before You life and death…… therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live”. We are incessantly faced with the choice of life and death. We become vulnerable in the wilderness when we are overwhelmed by what we see and hear. The devil comes with temptations to lure us from the path of life, he comes to offer alternative routes that promise to get us out of the wilderness sooner than we expected, thereby jeopardising the plan and purpose of God for our lives. It is only those whose hearts are fixed on God, whose focus is not shifted from their maker that can overcome the daily temptations from the kingdom of Satan. It takes a discerning heart to differentiate between good and evil because most times, they look alike. It is the measure of the word of God that we know and that is hidden in our inner man that would sustain us in the wilderness. Jesus defeated the devil in the wilderness by the written word of God. It could be a place of refuge: In 1 Samuel 23 & 24, we read an account of David running into the wilderness for refuge when king Saul was seeking after his life. God sometimes hides us in the wilderness away from the those who seek after our lives to destroy our destinies.

He purposely keeps us in the wilderness to preserve our lives from the roaring lion that is out there, while preparing us for what lies ahead in the future. So many lives have been cut short because they refused to endure the wilderness. Some that could not wait for God’s appointed time for His manifestation had to take a short cut for deliverance, only to realise that they had fallen into the enemy’s trap. Jesus was speaking in Matthew 11:30 “… my yoke is easy and my burden is light”. The devil’s yoke in not an easy yoke, it only leads to destruction. When we have an understanding of the purpose of the wilderness that we go through, we will appreciate God for His divine providence over our lives.

In the book of Deuteronomy 8:15-16, the wilderness was depicted as being terrible with serpents and scorpions.

It was a thirsty land where there was no water but God provided water out of the flinty rock. He also provided manna to feed His people in the wilderness, to sustain them in the journey so that they would not faint and die in the wilderness. However tough or severe the wilder-

ness experience we go through, the purpose of God is not to destroy us or leave us in perpetual shame. Those that died in the wilderness amongst the Israelites were the obstinate ones who refused to yield to God’s instructions. They were the architects of their own destruction.

When God leads you into the wilderness, He preserves and equips you to fulfil the purpose of your calling in life.

He would not lead you into the wilderness to become an object of pity, to become a pauper or to live at the mercy of any man. God is more than able to sustain you in the wilderness when your eyes are fixed on Him. In Psalm 66:12, the scripture says “You cause men to ride over our heads. We went through fire and water. Yet you brought us out to superabundance” (TLV). Our God is faithful, when God leads you into the wilderness, He

“The Christian race is a journey and the wilderness is a common experience that every believer at one point or another will have to go through.” doesn’t leave you there, He will be with you all the way through and sustain you and ultimately bring you out to a place of abundance. He knows how long you will be in the wilderness and He knows when to bring you out. Nevertheless, even if God did not lead you into that wilderness Himself, if you cry out for mercy because He is a merciful God, He will bring you out. He has a plan for every life and He works according to His plan. All we need to do is to trust Him to bring us to a place of fulfilment in Him. Shalom!

By Ekpen O. Onasanya

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Understanding the Charity Governance Code

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he first Code titled “Good Governance: a Code for the Voluntary and Community Sector” was published in 2005.

This code encouraged charities to adopt good practices in governance.

The Charity Commission worked with the voluntary sector to develop the code of governance. It was produced by the sector, from the sector and for the sector.

The principles in the former code came directly from expressed needs in the voluntary sector. They came from organisations which needed guidance to clarify the main principles of governance and to help them in decision-making, accountability and the work of their boards.

The second edition was published in October 2010, and the third edition was published on the 13th of July 2017.

The Charity Commission on the 13th of July 2017 withdrew its guidance on governance – “Hallmarks of an Effective Charity” (CC10) and is now directing people to the new Charity Governance Code (the Code).

The Charity Commission’s Director of Policy and Communications Sarah Atkinson says “It’s vital that charities get their heads around governance.

Following good governance practices, not just paying lip service but really understanding and applying them, could have averted many of the bad headlines of the last two years. It’s more than ticking the boxwww.sunrisemagazine.org

es. It’s about attitudes and culture, whether a charity puts its values into practice. It’s about how trustees make decisions and how well they understand what’s going on. We have seen the consequences of failing to do that”.

Governance has been defined as: “the systems and processes concerned with ensuring the overall direction, effectiveness, supervision and accountability of an organisation.” Good governance consists of the process of making and implementing decisions.

When looking at whether a decision has been taken correctly within the structure of the Board; the procedures and the conduct of all trustees during the meetings are important indicators of the effectiveness and efficacy of the Board.

ance practice to which all charities should aspire. The regulator is encouraging all charities to read, follow and apply the code proportionately to their circumstances.

The Charity Governance Code is a practical tool for continuous improvement and will assist charities and their trustees to develop high standards of governance that enable the Charity to display exemplary leadership and governance.

There are two versions of the Code, one for larger charities (charities with an income of over £1 Million a year, and whose accounts are externally audited), and smaller charities (charities below the £1 Million a year threshold). The two versions are based on the same seven core principles of good governance and common outcomes as explained below: -

Good governance is ensuring that the Charity follows its policies, systems and procedures in the day to day running of the affairs of the Charity.

The Code is not in itself a legal or regulatory requirement and is not enforced by the Charity Commission.

However, the Code emphasises best practices in the sector.

All trustees are encouraged to meet the principles and outcomes of the Code by either applying the recommended practice or explain why they have not applied it. The rule is not “comply or explain” but “apply or explain”.

In endorsing the Code, the Charity Commission describes it as representing a standard of good govern44

The Code starts with a foundational principle that all trustees understand their roles and legal responsibilities as explained in the Charity Commission guidance “The Essential Trustee (CC3)” and the charity’s governing documents. Furthermore, the code strongly advises that the trustees are committed to good governance and they want to continue to maintain their Charity’s continued improvement.

LEGAL

1. Organisational purpose - The board is clear about the charity’s aims and ensures that these are being delivered effectively and sustainably.

2. Leadership - Every charity is headed by an effective board that provides strategic leadership in line with the charity’s aims and values.

3. Integrity - The board acts with integrity, adopting values and creating a culture which helps achieve the organisation’s charitable purposes. The board is aware of the importance of the public’s confidence and trust in Charities, and trustees undertake their duties accordingly.

4. Decision making, risk and control - The board makes sure that its decision-making processes are informed, rigorous and timely, and that effective delegation, control and risk-assessment, and management systems are set up and monitored.

5. Board effectiveness - The board works as an effective team, using the appropriate balance of skills, experience, backgrounds and knowledge to make informed decisions.

6. Diversity - The board’s approach to diversity supports its effective-

ness, leadership and decision-making.

7. Openness and accountability - The board leads the organisation in being transparent and accountable. The charity is open in its work, unless there is a good reason for it not to be.

Each principle consists of the rationale (why they matter); the key outcomes (the differences they should make) and the recommended practice which will, however, depend on the size and the shape of the charity.

Some of the recommended practices include: 1) Board Effectiveness a) Recommended Practice for larger charities: an expectation that the board will review its performance and that of individual trustees, including the chair, every year, with an external evaluation for larger organisations every three years. b) Recommended Practice for both larger and smaller charities: if a trustee has served for more than nine years, their reappointment is: (i) subject to a particularly rigorous review and considers the need for progressive refreshing of the board and (ii) explained in the trustees’ annual report. c) Recommended Practice for both larger and smaller charities: the board regularly looks at what skills it has and needs, and this affects how new trustees are found.

2) Openness and accountability: (recommended practice for both larger and smaller charities.) A culture of openness should be devel45

oped within the charity. The board should involve stakeholders in key decisions and operate with the presumption of openness.

3) Leadership: (recommended practice for both larger and smaller charities.) The Chairman provides leadership to the Board with prime responsibility for ensuring it has agreed on priorities, appropriate structures, processes and a productive culture and has trustees and senior staff who can govern well and add value to the charity.

4) Organisational purpose: (recommended practice for both larger and smaller charities.) The board leads the development of, and agrees on a strategy that aims to achieve the organisation’s charitable purposes and is clear about the desired outputs, outcomes and impacts.

Adopting the Code In line with the theme for 2017 ‘incorporating global best practices’, parishes are encouraged to read, follow and apply the code as it best fits their circumstances. Also, parishes that have signed up to the code are encouraged to publicise this on their website and annual report. This will encourage that best practices are shared and further strengthen the campaign for a default legal compliant culture across board.

This article is for general information only and simply highlights a few examples; further details are available at https://www.charitygovernancecode.org/en.

A Code for the Voluntary and Community Sector First edition: June 2005 https://charitycommission.blog. gov.uk/2017/07/13/the-new-charity-governance-code-essentialreading-for-all-trustees/ last accessed 6/10/2017 www.sunrisemagazine.org

RESEARCH SPARKS NEW WAVE OF YOUTH

EVANGELISM

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A church that thought youth work was a waste of time has changed its mind, thanks to new research. he research into young people’s perceptions of Jesus was commissioned by the HOPE Revolution Partnership showed that more young people are positive about Jesus and Christianity than previously thought: 13% of young people aged 11-18 say they pray and read the Bible weekly and attend church monthly.

Phil Timson, HOPE’s youth director and one of the team who commissioned the research, said, ‘Whatever young people mean when they talk about “church”, it means we have a great starting point as we seek to equip young Christians. ‘The research didn’t define “church”, so for a young person this might include chapel services at faith schools, youth groups, Bible studies, prayer events or any other manner of things that young people could identify as “going to church”.’

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The research has been a catalyst to a peer-led youth evangelism training programme called ‘Mission Academy Live’ launched in September to equip young people to talk about Jesus and to demonstrate his love as a natural part of everyday life.

Phil Timson says, ‘Mission Academy Live will empower young people to share their faith with their peers.

Through Mission Academy Live we will mobilise young people, with renewed confidence, to be workers, ready to reap the plentiful harvest that exists amongst young people today.’

Hundreds of Mission Academy Live small groups for young people 1118 are being established across the country. Some are existing groups (small groups, Bible study or discipleship groups), or newly formed groups who will meet regularly to work through the 10 video-based sessions. Each session will look at a different aspect of relational evange-

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lism. Through discipleship, accountability and prayer, the Mission Academy Live group will offer ongoing peer-to-peer challenges. The primary focus is on young people reaching out to six of their friends.

Mission Academy Live small groups will be invited to be part of a local Hub where they will be linked together as part of an exciting evangelistic movement in their area in 2018, enabling the small groups to be part of a united evangelistic event, as well as offering support for local youth leaders.

Mission Academy Live is part of HOPE’s initiative to link churches across the UK in a year of mission in 2018 to make Jesus known in words and action.

Find out more about Mission Academy Live at www.hopetogether.org.uk/MAlive

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THE ARTS

Precious Mime

Mime as Ministry

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hen people think or hear of the word mime: two things often pop up on their minds. Dance and drama. However, the type of mime we are talking about here is strictly religious in nature and generally appeals to christians. It is a form of performance art through acting which ministers to people using songs and preaching.

It is one thing to listen to a preacher but quite another to understand the message and let the preaching touch your heart. Christian mime brings to life important messages in the Bible and creates a vivid imagination, with lasting impressions in the minds of the audience.

ourselves and then decide on the best way to deliver it which we always do with enthusiasm and determination. It has not been easy. The hard-work, sweat, time and creativity that go into our practice sessions behind closed doors are all worth it when we see the reaction of the audience during our performances.

Besides, the knowledge and understanding that we are impacting lives and winning more souls for the kingdom has kept us going. To God be the glory, this group has been performing for over four years now and although each member has other priorities such as education and career, we never fail to come together and sacrifice our time to do what we are passionate about.

It is not just an ordinary mime to us; we all see it as a It is not just about acting, dancing and singing but de- special calling and our own small way of contributing livering the message in a most passionate manner to to the growth of Christianity. impact lives and see people being blessed.

We pray that as the years go by, this ministry continues For instance, in our group known as the Precious to wax stronger and grow from strength to strength in Mime which was set up by the Precious People Parish Jesus name !

(PPP) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God based in Manchester, miming has become a passion. We see Precious Mimie is available to train Christian groups it as part of the larger ministry of PPP and a special interested in Mime. calling.

We prepare carefully and seriously for all our perforContact: www.pppchurchrccg.org mances. We make sure we understand the message www.sunrisemagazine.org

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MUSIC tors. All glory to God for my late dad Pastor Daniel Ayo Adeyefa-Ojomo who discovered this gift of God in me and persistently encouraged me to be successful. Within three months of learning the king of musical instruments, the ORGAN, I played my first hymn from the Ancient and Modern Revised Hymnal – Hymn 63: “God from on high hath heard”, (Tune, St. George by H.J. Gauntlett). This was in a Sunday morning service and to the glory of God I’ve been soaring from glory to glory, gladdening the heart of the Almighty God and also blessing and refreshing the body of Christ with this great gift.

MY NEW ALBUM

“Refreshing Moments: Volume One”

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give God praise and adoration for the successful release of my new Organ Music Album titled “REFRESHING MOMENTS” - VOLUME ONE. The Digital version of the album was released on the 29th of September 2017 and it is available to download on Google Play and iTunes for both Android and Apple devices.

A brief introduction of myself. I am simply called Gbenga Adeyefa-Ojomo. I am an ordained minister and privileged to be a parish pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God - True Vine Parish Bognor Regis, UK. I was tutored to play the organ at a very tender age of 13 years, under various music tutors, scholars and men-

REFRESHING MOMENTS is a project God appointed me to do by His grace and election on the 17th February 2012, by employing the use of Church Organ to play hymns and lead God’s people in live praise, worship and adoration of His holy name. As God’s people listen and are ushered into the presence of the Lord, they are ‘refreshed’ according to the book of Acts 3:19: “...the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” - (KJV) This particular Album consists of 20 tracks which can be used for personal worship, family worship or congregational worship. It is divided into the following groups 1). Worship and God’s love - Group Medley 2). Fellowship with God Medley 3). Holy Spirit - Group Medley 4). Victory Song - Medley Group 5). Worship Medley 2 6). Five Powerful Bonus Tracks – Medley.

To Download the Digital Album, kindly follow the steps below : Go to: 1) PLAY STORE for Android devices 2). iTunes STORE for Apple devices 3). Simply click on the MUSIC tab 4).

Type my name: Gbenga Adeyefa-Ojomo; 5). Finally click on SEARCH. It is available for sale per track or at DISCOUNTED rate for the whole ALBUM. It is also available on CDs and DVDs. Kindly email: gbenga71@yahoo.co.uk or call +447872534283.

Be Refreshed as you listen in Jesus’ Christ name. Amen!

In Christ alone, Gbenga Adeyefa-Ojomo 49

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PRAISING THE AGELESS ONE

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n 2009, Tai was called into the office of the HR Manager of the engineering company where he worked as the Senior Risk & Reliability Engineer. “The company is going through some challenges and there will be some redundancies. I am sorry your position will be affected” stated the HR Manager.

Few weeks later Tai left the company after working there for a short period, with the future looking bleak. The departure led to a period of drought - a time of uncertainty and shortage.

“I began to look for work everywhere. I would send lots of job applications to employers and agencies everyday without a favourable outcome, not even an interview. To my amazement, others in the same field were getting job offers. I know someone with a few years of experience who got 3 job offer!” he recalled.

The job search continued for about a year with the family barely getting along. Tai’s wife, Yemi worked as a nurse but she was expecting a baby, hence she could not work extra hours but God was faithful. He took care of them.

THE BREAKTHROUGH Then on a Sunday morning while in Church, the breakthrough came. The moment the guest minister got to the pulpit, he started giving the Word of the Lord - the word of wisdom.

“There is a man here, you are a highly qualified professional but for some time now things have not been successful for you as they were before and no matter how hard you try, it appeared you are not making any visible headway. This has been a concern but right now the Holy Ghost is visiting that situation. There is a country in the European region and I see you going there to do something related to what you do and in that country will be the springboard for the Lord to use to move you back to where you were and higher …and within the next one and a half months this will come to pass. It will be like Peter’s miracle, when he launched [his net] into the deep..your deep point is this other European country and that is where the floodgate so to speak, of this would open up” Cutting the long story short, the Lord brought His Word to pass. Tai got an offer in Norway from a multinational company, a rewarding position that was very satisfying professionally. www.sunrisemagazine.org

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Taiyemi at the Hand in Hand / Mission Worship conference, Eastbourne

THE NORWEGIAN EXPERIENCE - QUIET MOMENTS While in Norway, Tai had the privilege of serving at RCCG Holmlia (Oslo) under Pastor Duke Ajieh, the RCCG National Coordinator.

Tai explained his experience: “I woke one morning in Oslo and while having my devotion, the Lord said ‘go on a 40-day fast’, so I started that same day (this was not a total fast like Moses’ in the Bible).

But I was not prepared for what happened afterwards. If you had asked me what my expectations were the day I started fasting, I probably would have told you - to gain a better understanding of the Word of God.”.

WORSHIP GOD SONGS About 2 or 3 days into the fast, what Tai noticed was that streams and rivers of original songs started coming to his heart which was totally different to what he had previously experienced. [“When we first got married, we often spend a long time singing and praising God together. Then, God gave us some original songs as we praised Him; one of such songs was titled ‘As for my House’ which happened to be the title of the first album we released when we started publishing music” Yemi recalled].

“But this new experience was totally different and never in a million years could I have guessed what the outcome of waiting upon the Lord would be! Everywhere I turned, the songs flowed and kept coming. As I walked down the street, at my desk at work (I exercised some discretion!), in Church as we praised and worshipped, during prayer meetings, in the air (planes) - closer to heaven in terms of distance than most people, the new songs flowed! Sometimes, a song would wake me up in the middle of the night, ringing loudly in my spirit. Within a few months, the number of the songs went to about 300, after which I lost the count!” Tai stated.

Tai and Yemi are quick to attribute the songs to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit give the songs, “we are only the scribes”, they’d say. “He gives the inspiration, the lyrics and the melodies. Without Him, there could be no music - real music and songs”!

Tai related a story to back this conviction: I was trying to get the attention of our youngest daughter who was just over 4 years old then. She was unhappy about something and was crying. So, in an attempt to distract her I said to her “come and sing my song!”. In a twinkling of an eye, she became very serious and responded sternly “it’s not your song, it’s God song!”

[It was much later while Tai was looking through his prayer journal that he ‘discovered’ that the Lord had said to him 10 years earlier that he would be used in writing songs!].

THE AGELESS ONE CONCERTS In 2012, Taiyemi (Tai & Yemi’s stage name) released their first album “As for My House”. They sensed the Lord leading them to start a concert and by 2013, through God’s help The Ageless One concert began. The Ageless One concert features other UK Gospel artists and the songs given to Taiyemi are performed / ministered at the event through a racially diverse team.

To date, Taiyemi has released the following albums: • As for My House • Healing Always Come • The Ageless One (2013) concert • iPraise (a contemporary African praise) • Taiyemi Live in the Ageless One 2014 Concert • An Encounter with the Ageless One Their products are available in digital stores such as iTunes, Amazon and on their website www.taiyemi.com Taiyemi’s mission is to: • present art in a fresh way • share God-given inspirational songs with all • design products and events that help people experience God’s presence in a new dimension • support organisations whose work is aligned with our key community priorities (young people, education and the less privilege) We long to see people from different race come together to praise and worship our God Almighty.

Tai is a chartered engineer (CEng) and Yemi is a psychiatric nurse and trained journalist.

CONTACT info@taiyemi.com www.taiyemi.com www.facebook.com/TaiyemiMusic @TaiyemiMusic 51

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COLLABORATIVE MARITAL PROBLEM-SOLVING

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Anyone can become angry, that is easy . . . but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way . . . this is not easy. - ARISTOTLE

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ur guess is that, t h a t statem e n t was Aristotle’s way of expressing his frustration, perhaps like many followers of

MARRIAGE intend to show that deciding to solve marital problems collaboratively will go a long way in helping every couple to deal with the puzzle. It is our hope and prayer that reading the thoughts we will share in this series will enhance your marital enjoyment.

Acknowledgement: We want to state from the onset that the idea of Collaborative Marital Problems Solving (CMPS) was developed from the Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) model postulated by Dr. Ross Greene in the book – “The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children.”

And our thanks to Adrian Duffy (Fostering Manager, London Borough of Bexley); for giving us the opportunity to be exposed to CPS.

Christ are still doing, in working out or coming to terms with the practicality of “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.”

(Ephesians 4:26).

ary

Key Words/Phrases: 1.

Collaborative – involving two or more people working together for a special purpose. – Cambridge Diction-

2. Marital Problems – issues, misunderstandings, disagreements, troubles, that are marriage related.

or means of effectively Lord, and Saviour Jesus dealing with (a problem Christ, revealed to us in or mystery).

His prayer recorded in Luke, that human beings The main hypothesis could present with “laga. In relation to children ging skills” which would the key phrase of Collab- hinder their performing/ orative Problem Solving behaving according to (CPS) is: “Kids do well if “expectation”. they can”. Dr. Greene pos- Luke 23:34 tulates that every child 34 Then Jesus said, “Fawants to be a good child ther, forgive them, for and will want to make they do not know what their parents feel proud they do.” And they dividof them, but the presence ed His garments and cast of “lagging skills” may hin- lots. (NKJV) der them.

It is the presence of “lagb. In Collaborative Marital ging skills” that can cause Problem Solving, we also a husband to subject his put it as: “Spouses do well wife to physical, emotionif they can”. It is our con- al and any form of abuse. sidered opinion that gen- A “correct” husband who erally speaking, no one understands that his wife sets out to have a misera- is his body would not do ble married life. Therefore, that; knowing that if he whenever couples realise does, he is self-harming. that their marriage is not working well, especially Likewise, a wife who unwhen it is due to persis- derstands that her hustent behavioural issues, band is her head will be they should look out for good to him and never “lagging skills”, and work undermine or rain curswith each other (collab- es on him because she orate) to develop those knows that once the head skills. becomes useless, the body will also heading in God’s word has the prin- the same direction. ciples a. Our Father God prac- (Kindly look out for Part 2 in ticed it. The Scripture be- the next edition. Shalom! low is a good indication of how the Most High God demonstrated solving problem collaboratively: Isaiah 1:18 18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like Bayo and Funmi Eesuola crimson, They shall be as are Pastors @ RCCG Love Aswool. (NKJV) sembly in London; they also run

3. Solving – find an anIn this 2-part series, we swer to, explanation for, b. In the same vein, our 53

‘HELPS Counsellors’ (a Christian charitable organisation).

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ur lives and relationships will bring glory to God and draw others to Christ, only when they are transformed to the image of Christ (Romans 12:1-2, Romans 8:29-30, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Often, when things go wrong in our relationships, we want to blame others but the truth is that we must first look at ourselves. Are we behaving in a manner that is Christ like?

When we become Christians we are to be transformed to be like Jesus. However, the enemy lies to us (John 10:10).

He tells us that we can never be like Jesus, we are not good enough etc. That is not true because the Bible tells us that God will shape us to be like His son. All we need to do is allow Him to shape us. How? By doing whatever He tells us to do. You can’t disobey the instruction manual and expect it to work.

Often times we take risks when using equipment. We use it in a different way than it was designed for or cut corners when making repairs, hoping that the risk pays off.

It’s a gamble because we don’t know what will happen.

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Sometimes it pays off but more often than not, cutting corners ends in tragedy.

We cannot gamble with our salvation, compromising a little bit here and there, hoping it will be ok. Eternity is forever, unending. It is not a gamble we should take.

Jesus is our pattern or mould that we must conform to.

We need to be transformed so that we will eventually be conformed to the likeness of Him. Sanctification, then, is conformity to the likeness of Jesus Christ.

Let’s say there is a river that runs right by your house.

There is a little rowboat on the bank of the river and you decide to get in the rowboat and paddle out into the middle of the river. Once you get there you can do one of three things: 1. Paddle against the current.

2. Sit in the rowboat and go with the flow and end up where you don’t want to be.

3. Paddle with the current.

God’s purpose for us is to be made into the image of Christ but we can do three things: 1. Fight against it.

2. Sit back and just hope it will happen.

3. Or work with God in the process of transformation.

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RELATIONSHIPS In other words you can be involved in your Christian growth process.

You can work with God to become more like Jesus. Isn’t that an amazing thought? God is changing you – and He has asked you to be involved in the process.

WHAT ARE THE EVIDENCES OF A TRANSFORMED LIFE? We must begin with studying the character of Jesus.

Hebrews 1:9 says that Jesus “loved righteousness and hated wickedness”. Jesus did not just act righteously, He loved righteousness and at the same time He hated wickedness. Jesus hated sin as sin. We often hate the consequences of sin but do we hate sin as sin? You can pray, ‘Lord, let me see sin as you see it’.

To be like Jesus is to always seek to do the will of the Father. What will transform our relationships is this truth. We need to come to the place where we delight to do the will of God, however sacrificial or unpleasant that may seem to us at the time.

1. There should be no more struggle with sin and Satan (Romans 6:14-16 ).

2. Your transformed life will affect those people around you. Your spouse and children will see the difference. There will be less strife and selfishness coming from your side.

This will impact their behaviour also.

3. In a transformed life there will be total commitment to Christ and His work (John.9:4, Acts 2:42, Mark 16:15-17, Matthew 28:18-20, Galatians 1:14-18).

4. If we were all living transformed lives there would be unity and love in the church and in our homes (Acts 2:44-47).

HOW DOES THIS TRANSFORMATION PROCESS HAPPEN? 1. God Uses PEOPLE To Help Transform Us

I know of no one who has not been influenced by other people such as parents, family, spouse, friends, a mentor, or perhaps even a total stranger. God said: “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). God sends people into our lives to have an influence and impact on us – to bring us closer to Him. God wants us to be transformed into the image of His son Jesus Christ and He has placed other people in our path to help us and influence us in that goal.

That is why God tells His children to, “encourage one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11), “pray for one another” (James 5:16), “build up one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11), “accept one another” (Romans 15:7) etc.

“We cannot gamble with our salvation, compromising a little bit here and there, hoping it will be ok. Eternity is forever, unending. It is not a gamble we should take”

Ensure that those who have an influence on your life are those that God has placed there. Ask Him to show you those that are friends and those that are foes. External voices can ruin a marriage but the right advice from a godly person placed in your life by God can save it. Be careful and wise!

You can “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). You can clothe yourself in “Christ-likeness”(Ephesians 4:24). You can “put on the full armour of God” (Ephesians 6:11-13). You can study to “show yourself approved” (2 Timothy 2:15). You can “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). I can “submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 8:15).

2. God Uses CIRCUMSTANCES To Help Transform Us. Do you recall the story of Jesus healing of the man born blind in John 9?

The circumstances were in place so that this man could be transformed.

Jesus healed him but the story does not end there. When the man was questioned, he told the religious leaders that it was Jesus who healed him, they became angry and threw him out on the street. Jesus found him again and explained who He is and the healed man worshiped Jesus. He was transformed that day.

Romans 8:28 says “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

God can take the circumstances of your life to help transform you into the image of Christ.

This is the area that the Bible encourages you to be involved in. That is why Paul writing to Timothy says: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” 1Timothy 4:7 (NASV)

An American football coach said, “The job of a football coach is to make men do what they don’t want to do in order to achieve what they’ve always wanted.”

In the same way – Christians are called to make themselves do something they would not naturally do – to purse a life of Godliness – to purse a life of holiness – in order to become what they have always wanted – to be like Jesus.

I assure you that as you become more like Jesus, your relationships will be transformed!

Andrea Onduku Chapel of Grace, Bradford

3. God Uses SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES To Help Transform Us.

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MATTERS OF THE a e dr Dear An

HEART

I am a parent of young teens and it is challenging to balance discipline. I don’t want to only punish them for doing wrong, I want to teach them to make good choices. How do I impart positive qualities into my children?

I am newly married and I am struggling to know my place in my home. I know that the Bible says that my husband is the head of the home but what is my role if he is to make all the decisions?

It is very good that you have this desire. There are many parents that simply punish their children without teaching them how to make a better choice next time. This causes them to grow into adults who push boundaries when there is no longer anyone around to punish them. They end up not being able to stay in education or employment because of breaking rules. Such parents are exasperated because they feel that they disciplined their children well but the issue is that they did not explain to their children why choices were wrong or how to make good ones.

I believe that the woman has a very important role in the home. If the man could singlehandedly make all the decisions and run the home, then God would have not created the woman. The fact is that God said it was not good for man to be alone. A balanced home has both a man and a woman and both their leadership qualities are needed. For example, in a home if the lady is upset, tense and argumentative then everyone in the home will be upset. A very important leadership quality that a woman must have in her home is a positive attitude.

This will set the tone for her husband and children. If the woman is harsh with her husband, the children will not show him respect either.

The best way to impart positive qualities into children is to lead by example. Modelling positive behaviour and obedience to the law is vital. We cannot teach our children not to lie and then they hear us lying or we teach them to obey the law but we are speeding to get to an appointment with them in the car! They need to grow up seeing their parents practicing what they preach. Sometimes they will even question our actions and we will tell them that they have no right to question an adult. This teaches them that as a child, you obey your parents but when you are an adult, you can do what you want. To build good character in them, we have to model good character.

Marriage is to mirror the relationship that God has with His bride, the church. We know that God is the head and His decisions are final but that does not mean that as Christians we don’t have a role to play. Once God has set out what should be done and His expectations, it is our role as Christians to action it, using all the creative skills that we have been given. We can look at Biblical cases such as the one in Genesis 32 where God told Moses that He was going to destroy the Israelites because they had built a golden calf to worship. Moses talked with God and God changed his mind and relented concerning the judgement He had planned. This was because of the relationship that God had with Moses. The Bible says in Numbers 12:6-8 that to others God spoke in dreams and visions but to Moses, He spoke face to face. Likewise when you build a trusted relationship with your husband, he will talk with you before taking critical actions and then you will be able to help and support your husband to make good decisions.

In the future they may encounter situations that they have not seen you model for them and they will still need to make the right choice. That is why character training is so important. You can even sit down with them as teenagers and go through various situations that may arise and ask them what they would do. You can then look for what the Bible says about that particular situation. You cannot leave anything to chance, there is a need to be very practical with parenting.

See it as a school, just like they have lessons in school where they fill in worksheets and do brainstorming, you can do this at home with them concerning life. We cannot leave parenting for teachers and youth workers, we must be proactive.

This will involve us becoming an expert in how our teens think and how they communicate. There are many books out there that can help you as well as the best manual of all, the Bible.

The Holy Spirit is the giver of wisdom, we can also ask Him to help us. James 1:5 tells us that if anyone asks wisdom, he should ask for it. Be sure to ask for help from the Holy Spirit, He is the best advisor and reassuringly, he know your children better than you ever can as He created them. Before they were in your womb, he knew them (Jeremiah 1:5).

At times, husbands to not listen to their wive’s counsel because they present it in argumentative fashion. Respect is extremely important to a man, therefore you should approach him in a loving and respectful manner. Let him know that you value him and respect his decisions, he will be more likely to listen to your inputs when you put it this way. Use wisdom to influence your husband but do not try to manipulate him, otherwise he will not respond to you next time.

Andrea Onduku Send your problems or questions, which will be treated in the strictest confidence, to info@matterofheart.org

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In celebration of our

50th Wedding Anniversary HERE IS OUR NEW

BOOK

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BOOKS YOU JUST MUST READ

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he School of Disciples (SOD) UK launched its alumni chapter recently. It was another opportunity to thank the Lord for His faithfulness to the SOD and formalise the forum as a platform to deepen the bonds of unity amongst graduates of the school. It is also expected that School of Disciples Alumni (SODA) UK will leverage on the diverse talents amongst the alumni to take the school to the next level.

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RCCG UK SPORTS DAY 2017

his year’s Sports day took place at the Crystal Palace National Stadium on the 29th July. Activities for all ages included Football, short distance and long distance races, relays, long jump and short jump, shot put and table tennis. The objective of the Sports day is to encourage sporting activity, to promote healthy living, to create an avenue of friendship, to deepen unity and to serve as a platform for Social action.

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FRESHERS’ FAIR 2017 This landmark event took place on Saturday 19th August 2017 at Jesus House for All the Nations.

The Freshers’ Fair is an initiative designed for young people between 16 and 18, as well as all those considering university options or who are on their way to university. The aims of the Fair was to equip young people for the challenges and opportunities ahead, to signpost them to churches in their university locations, provide advice and tips to get the most out of their university experience, guidance on how to survive and thrive in university and to create awareness regarding the benefits of continuing in Higher Education.

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RCCG COUNTRY AND REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS’ CONFERENCE 2017

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he maiden RCCG Conference of Country and Regional Administrators took place in August 2017 at the Redemption Camp in Nigeria. Attended by senior leaders of the Mission from across the world, it was a time to further equip RCCG admininsrators in their duty to provide excellent administrative support for RCCG in the regions and countries in which the church is represented.

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The National Teachers’ Conference 2017

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n the 9th of September, over 500 delegates gathered at Victory House London to attend the thought provoking conference facilitated by the RCCG Sunday School UK with the theme ’Agent of Restoration ‘

The first speaker Pastor Daniel Akhazemea of the RCCG Bible College focused on how each delegate must be transformed first before becoming an agent of transformation within our communities. He noted that you can’t be an effective agent of transformation without being a true disciple of Christ. The second talk was delivered by Rev Nims Obunge of the Freedom Ark, who focused on putting our faith into action through practical social action projects to bring about restoration in our communities. He shared experiences and testimonies of what the Lord has helped him to do to make a difference in his community and encouraged all to do likewise. It was a thrilling time saturated with an atmosphere of great worship and personal insight indeed for all who attended.

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Maiden Edition of the National Bible Quiz Competition The tension in the air was intense as four candidates representing the four regions of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales in two Age Group categories competed for honours a first-of-its-kind contest. The results in Age Groups 13-19 were; 1ST

2ND

3RD

REGION 2

REGION 1

REGION 3

VICTORIA ADEYEMO

OLUWAKEMI ALAKE

JOSHUA YAKTAL

The results in the Age 20 and above category were as follows; 1ST

2ND

3RD

REGION 1

REGION 2

REGION 4

MRS TEMITOPE OYELERE

ELDER BETTY OLANIYAN

NYEMAHAME OKWU

It was exhilarating till the very end with the audience eager but not permited to supply answers and clues.

Various prizes were given to the participants ranging from new IPads to cash prizes. We want to appreciate the great efforts all the candidates including Glory Omoragbon from Region 4 and Seyi Owoade from Region 3 put into preparing for the contest, well done to you all, we look forward to the next edition.

1st Prize Winner

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The Importance of Mentoring

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hough we live in a constantly changing world, we are in recent times experiencing (and enjoying) probably the most rapid phase of development known in human history, particularly in the areas of technology and communication. These advances - from mobile phone technology to social media platforms to business exchange platforms, and so on, have particularly transformed the levels of human interaction.

However, the paradox is that despite this increasing sophistication, it would seem that there is a corresponding increase in societal ills, resulting in a diminished sense of general well being and fulfilment.

Life is fraught with challenges, uncertainties, and increasing societal ills; and as a result, people, organisations and communities are looking for good and effective leaders to guide them into

meaningful and successful living. This dearth of good leadership also exists in the church and at no other time in history has there been a desperate need for Godly leadership in order to bring hope into the world and to guide people into God’s plans and purposes.

This is where we begin to appreciate the importance of mentoring; for good leaders are products of mentoring. Although the word mentor is not used in the bible, mentoring is a way of life modelled by our Lord Jesus Christ. He mentored 12 disciples who became the pioneer leaders of the church, and who in turn mentored others. There are also other examples of mentoring relationships in the Bible, such as with Moses and Joshua, Ruth & Naomi, David & Jonathan, Paul & Timothy, and many more.

According to David Stoddard, “due to constant change and uncertainty in our society, never has the need for mentoring been greater”. Describing the place

and practice of mentoring, he states that “we live in a chaotic world – whether the workplace, home or community – and it helps to find a person who has already been at the stage of life where you are and has learned through the trials of life, as well as its triumphs, to guide us through life”.

That is where you can come in as a mentor - to help others and to guide them through life. You may have never formally engaged in mentoring or you may already be engaged in some form of mentoring or the other; however, scripture clearly tells us about the importance of sharpening or improving our skills. And so, I would therefore like to invite you to join us on one of our mentor training courses in 2018 to develop or sharpen your mentoring skills.

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“...Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others” 2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)

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Festival of Life Partners’ and Covenant Partners’ Reception

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he General Overseer Pastor E.A. Adeboye held his Annual Reception with ministry partners in October 2017 in London. Festival of Life Partners, Covenant Partners and Partner 75 supporters gathered for an evening of praise, thanksgiving and sharing of testimonies to God for His faithfulness. The Partners were thanked and prayed for by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.

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RCCG UK GRADUATION CEREMONY 2017

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he 2017 Graduation ceremony of RCCG UK’s Educational Institution was presided over by the General Overseer Pastor E.A. Adeboye, assisted by RCCG’s Mother-in-Israel Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye and the Special Assistant to the General Overseer Pastor Agu Irukwu.

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RCCG UK ORDINATION SERVICE 2017

t the 2017 Ordination Service, ministers were ordained as Deacons, Deaconesses, Assistant Pastors and Full Pastors. The Ordination Service, held in London, was presided over by the General Overseer Pastor E.A. Adeboye, assisted by RCCG’s Mother-in-Israel Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye, the Special Assistant to the General Overseer Pastor Agu Irukwu and other Regional Pastors in the UK.

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RCCG’S VISION IS FOR CHURCHES IN EVERY COMMUNITY. PRAY WITH US AS WE FOCUS ON THESE PARTIALLY REACHED AND UNREACHED AREAS IN THE UK. Avon Bath Bradley Stoke Bristol Clevedon Keynsham Nailsea Portishead Thornbury Weston super Mare Yate Bedfordshire Ampthill Bedford Biggleswade Dunstable Flitwick Kempston Leighton Buzzard Luton Potton Sandy Woburn Berkshire Bracknell Crowthorne Hungerford Maidenhead Newbury Reading Sandhurst Slough Thatcham Wokingham Borders Coldstream Duns Eyemouth Galashiels Hawick Innerleithen Jedburgh Kelso Melrose Peebles Selkirk Buckinghashire Aylesbury Beaconsfield Bletchley Buckingham Chesham High Wycombe Marlow Milton Keynes Newport Pagnell Olney Princes Risborough Wendover Winslow Cambridgeshire Cambridge Chatteris Ely Godmanchester Huntingdon March Peterborough Soham Wisbech Central Alloa Bridge of Allan Callander Dunblane Falkirk Grangemouth Stirling Tillicoultry Cheshire Alsager Bollington Chester Congleton Crewe Ellesmere Port

Frodsham Knutsford Macclesfield Middlewich Nantwich Neston Northwich Runcorn Sale Sandbach Warrington Widnes Winsford Cleveland Hartlepool Middlesbrough Redcar Stockton on Tees Yarm Clwyd Buckley Colwyn Bay Denbigh Flint Hawarden Holywell Llangollen Mold Prestatyn Rhuddlan Rhyl Ruthin Wrexham Cornwall Bodmin Bude Camborne Camelford Falmouth Fowey Hayle Helston Launceston Liskeard Looe Lostwithiel Newquay Padstow Penryn Penzance Redruth Saltash Torpoint Truro Wadebridge County Antrim Antrim Ballycastle Ballyclare Ballymena Ballymoney Bushmills Carrickfergus Crumlin Larne Lisburn Newtownabbey Portrush Randalstown County Armagh Armagh Craigavon Lurgan Markethill Newry Portadown County Down Ballynahinch Banbridge Bangor Castlewellan Comber Donaghadee Downpatrick Kilkeel Killyleagh Newcastle Newtownards

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Portaferry Rostrevor Saintfield Warrenpoint County Fermanagh Enniskillen Lisnaskea County Londonderry Coleraine Limavady Londonderry Magherafelt Portstewart County Tyrone Castlederg Clogher Coalisland Cookstown Dungannon Fintona Fivemiletown Omagh Strabane Cumbria Alston Appleby in Westmorland Barrow in Furness Carlisle Cockermouth Grange over Sands Kendal Keswick Kirkby Lonsdale Maryport Penrith Staveley Ulverston Whitehaven Windermere Workington Derbyshire Alfreton Ashbourne Bakewell Belper Bolsover Buxton Chesterfield Derby Dronfield Glossop Heanor Ilkeston Long Eaton Matlock New Mills Ripley Swadlincote Whaley Bridge Devon Ashburton Axminster Barnstaple Bideford Bradninch Brixham Buckfastleigh Budleigh Salterton Crediton Cullompton Dartmouth Dawlish Exeter Exmouth Heathfield Holsworthy Honiton Ilfracombe Ivybridge Kingsbridge Lynton Moretonhampstead Newton Abbot Okehampton Paignton

Plymouth Salcombe Seaton Sidmouth South Molton Tavistock Teignmouth Tiverton Torquay Totnes Dorset Blandford Forum Bournemouth Bridport Christchurch Dorchester Ferndown Gillingham Lyme Regis Poole Shaftesbury Sherborne Swanage Verwood Wareham Weymouth Dumfries and Galloway Annan Castle Douglas Dalbeattie Dumfries Kirkcudbright Langholm Lockerbie Moffat Newton Stewart Stranraer Wigtown Durham Barnard Castle Bishop Auckland Chester le Street Darlington Newton Aycliffe Dyfed Aberaeron Aberystwyth Ammanford Burry Port Cardigan Carmarthen Fishguard Haverfordwest Lampeter Laugharne Llandeilo Llandovery Llanelli Milford Haven Narberth Newcastle Emlyn Pembroke Tenby Tregaron East Sussex Battle Bexhill on Sea Brighton Crowborough Eastbourne Hailsham Hastings Heathfield Hove Lewes Newhaven Polegate Rye Seaford Uckfield Wadhurst Essex Basildon Billericay Braintree Brentwood Brightlingsea

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Burnham on Crouch Chelmsford Clacton on Sea Coggeshall Colchester Epping Grays Hadleigh Halstead Harlow Harwich Ilford Loughton Maldon Manningtree Rayleigh Rochford Romford Saffron Walden South Woodham Ferrers Southend on Sea Thaxted Tilbury Waltham Abbey Walton on the Naze Wickford Witham Fife Auchtermuchty Burntisland Cowdenbeath Cupar Dunfermline Falkland Inverkeithing Kinghorn Kirkcaldy Ladybank Leven Markinch Newport on Tay Pittenweem Gloucestershire Cheltenham Chipping Campden Chipping Sodbury Cinderford Cirencester Dursley Fairford Gloucester Lydney Moreton in Marsh Nailsworth Newent Painswick Stroud Tetbury Tewkesbury Wotton under Edge Grampian Aberdeen Ballater Banchory Banff Buckie Cullen Dufftown Elgin Forres Fraserburgh Huntly Inverurie Keith Kintore Laurencekirk Lossiemouth Oldmeldrum Peterhead Greater Manchester Ashton in Makerfield Bolton Bury Denton Droylsden Dukinfield

Farnworth Horwich Hyde Manchester Oldham Rochdale Salford Stockport Westhoughton Wigan Gwent Abergavenny Abertillery Brynmawr Caldicot Chepstow Cwmbran Ebbw Vale Monmouth Newport Newport Tredegar Usk Gwynedd County Abergele Amlwch Bala Bangor Barmouth Beaumaris Betws y Coed Blaenau Ffestiniog Caernarfon Conwy Criccieth Dolgellau Holyhead Llandudno Llanrwst Penmaenmawr Porthmadog Pwllheli Tywyn Hampshire Aldershot Alton Andover Basingstoke Eastleigh Fareham Farnborough Fleet Fordingbridge Gosport Havant Hythe Lymington New Milton Petersfield Portsmouth Ringwood Romsey Southampton Southsea Tadley Totton Whitchurch Winchester Yateley Herefordshire Bromyard Hatfield = not the one in Hertfordshire Hereford Kington Ledbury Leominster Ross on Wye Hertfordshire Barnet Berkhamsted Borehamwood Buntingford Cheshunt Harpenden J Hatfield Hemel Hempstead

Hertford Hitchin Hoddesdon Letchworth Potters Bar Rickmansworth Royston Sawbridgeworth Stevenage Tring Waltham Cross Ware Watford Welwyn Garden City Highlands and Islands Cromarty Dingwall Dornoch Fort William Grantown on Spey Inverness Kingussie Kirkwall Lerwick Nairn Tain Thurso Wick Humberside Barton upon Humber Beverley Bridlington Brigg Cleethorpes Driffield Goole Grimsby Hessle Hornsea Howden Market Weighton Pocklington Scunthorpe Withernsea Isle of Wight Brading Cowes Newport Ryde Sandown Shanklin Ventnor Yarmouth Kent Ashford Broadstairs Canterbury Chatham Crayford Dartford Deal Dover Edenbridge Erith Faversham Folkestone Gillingham Gravesend Herne Bay Hythe Lydd Maidstone Margate Orpington Ramsgate Rochester Sandwich Sevenoaks Sheerness Sittingbourne Southborough Strood Swanley Tenterden Tonbridge Tunbridge Wells 08/07/14 Westerham Whitstable Lancashire Accrington Adlington Bacup

Barnoldswick Blackburn Blackpool Burnley Carnforth Chorley Clitheroe Colne Darwen Failsworth Fleetwood Kirkham Lancaster Leyland Longridge Morecambe Ormskirk Poulton le Fylde Preston Skelmersdale Whitworth Leicestershire Ashby de la Zouch Coalville Hinckley Leicester Loughborough Lutterworth Market Harborough Melton Mowbray Shepshed ???

Wigston Lincolnshire Alford Boston Bourne Caistor Gainsborough Grantham Horncastle Lincoln Louth Mablethorpe Market Deeping Market Rasen Skegness Sleaford Spalding Spilsby Stamford Lothian Bathgate Dalkeith Dunbar Edinburgh Haddington Linlithgow Loanhead Musselburgh North Berwick Penicuik Merseyside Bebington Birkenhead Bootle Heswall Hoylake Kirkby Liverpool Newton le Willows Prescot Southport Wallasey

Sheringham Thetford Wells next the Sea Wymondham North Yorkshire Bedale Easingwold Filey Harrogate Knaresborough Malton Middleham Northallerton Pickering Richmond – not the one South London Ripon Scarborough Selby Settle Skipton Tadcaster Thirsk Whitby York Northamptonshire Brackley Burton Latimer Corby Daventry Higham Ferrers Irthlingborough Kettering Northampton Oundle Rushden Thrapston Towcester Wellingborough Northumberland Alnwick Ashington Bedlington Berwick upon Tweed Blyth Corbridge Cramlington Haltwhistle Hexham Morpeth Prudhoe Rothbury Nottinghamshire Beeston Bingham Eastwood Hucknall Mansfield Nottingham Retford Southwell Sutton in Ashfield Worksop

Mid Glamorgan Aberdare Bridgend Caerphilly Llantrisant Maesteg Merthyr Tydfil Pontypridd Porth Porthcawl

Oxfordshire Abingdon Banbury Bicester Burford Carterton Charlbury Chipping Norton Didcot Dorchester Faringdon Henley on Thames Oxford Thame Wallingford Wantage Witney Woodstock

Norfolk Aylsham Cromer Dereham Diss Downham Market Fakenham Great Yarmouth Hunstanton North Walsham Norwich

Powys Brecon Builth Wells Crickhowell Hay on Wye Knighton Llandrindod Wells Llanfyllin Llanidloes Llanwrtyd Wells Machynlleth

Montgomery Newtown Presteigne Rhayader Talgarth Welshpool Rutland Oakham Uppingham Shropshire Bridgnorth Church Stretton Ellesmere Ludlow Market Drayton Newport Oswestry Shrewsbury Telford Wem Whitchurch Somerset Bridgwater Burnham on Sea Chard Crewkerne Frome Glastonbury Ilminster Midsomer Norton Minehead Shepton Mallet Somerton Taunton Wellington Wells Wincanton Winsford Yeovil South Glamorgan Barry Cardiff Cowbridge Llantwit Major Penarth South Yorkshire Barnsley Bawtry Dinnington Doncaster Hatfield Mexborough Penistone Rotherham Sheffield Wombwell Staffordshire Alton Biddulph Burntwood Cannock Leek Lichfield Rugeley Stafford Stoke on Trent Stone Tamworth Uttoxeter Strathclyde Airdrie Ayr Barrhead Bearsden Bellshill Biggar Campbeltown Carluke Clydebank Coatbridge Cumbernauld Dumbarton Dunoon East Kilbride Glasgow Gourock Greenock Hamilton Helensburgh Inveraray Irvine Johnstone Kilbarchan

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Kilmarnock Kilwinning Lanark Largs Lochgilphead Maybole Milngavie Motherwell Oban Paisley Prestwick Rothesay Rutherglen Saltcoats Tobermory Troon

West Glamorgan Gorseinon Neath Port Talbot Swansea West Midlands Aldridge Bilston Birmingham Blackheath Bloxwich Coventry Dudley Halesowen Oldbury Rowley Regis Smethwick Solihull Sutton Coldfield Tipton Walsall Wednesbury Wednesfield West Bromwich Willenhall Wolverhampton

Suffolk Aldeburgh Beccles Bungay Eye Felixstowe Framlingham Halesworth Haverhill Ipswich Kesgrave Leiston Lowestoft Needham Market Newmarket Otley Saxmundham Southwold Stowmarket Sudbury Woodbridge Surrey Ashford Camberley Dorking Egham Epsom Esher Farnham Godalming Guildford Haslemere Horley Leatherhead Redhill Reigate Staines Walton on Thames Weybridge Woking Tayside Aberfeldy Arbroath Brechin Carnoustie Crieff Dundee Forfar Kinross Kirriemuir Monifieth Montrose Perth Pitlochry Tyne and Wear Gateshead Houghton le Spring Jarrow Newcastle upon Tyne South Shields Sunderland Washington Whitley Bay Warwickshire Alcester Atherstone Bedworth Coleshill Kenilworth Leamington Spa Nuneaton Rugby Shipston on Stour Southam Stratford upon Avon Warwick Whitnash

West Sussex Arundel Bognor Regis Burgess Hill Chichester Crawley Cuckfield East Grinstead Haywards Heath Horsham Littlehampton Midhurst Petworth Selsey Shoreham by Sea Worthing West Yorkshire Batley Bradford Brighouse Castleford Cleckheaton Dewsbury Halifax Hebden Bridge Holmfirth Huddersfield Ilkley Keighley Leeds Morley Normanton Ossett Otley Pontefract Pudsey Todmorden Wakefield Wetherby Yeadon Wiltshire Amesbury Bradford on Avon Calne Chippenham Devizes Highworth Malmesbury Marlborough Melksham Salisbury Swindon Trowbridge Warminster Westbury Wootton Bassett Worcestershire Bewdley Bromsgrove Evesham Kidderminster Malvern Pershore Redditch Worcester

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Christmas journeys

H

OPE is inviting people to make a journey this Christmas; a journey that will lead them to Jesus.

‘Many people are searching for meaning in life. They want more than the commercialism that a secular Christmas offers,’ says Roy Crowne, HOPE’s executive director. ‘Christmas gives Christians an amazing opportunity to talk about Jesus, and to invite friends and family to discover the hope he gives.’

‘We really value the partnership between HOPE and the RCCG churches.

The “Journey to Bethlehem” resources are designed to help us all reach out to our communities with a carol singing event or a special guest service. You can use the free “Journey to Bethlehem” carols booklet as you sing carols door-todoor, as a flashmob in a shopping centre or in a top quality church carol service,’ says Roy. Churches are planning events in sports stadiums, community centres and pubs to bring communities together at Christmas to celebrate Jesus’ birth. If you want to sing outside or by candlelight, you can get the words free on your smartphone.

Just visit weareworship.com and search for the carol words app. The iSingWorship app can provide backing tracks for the carols.

The ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ Christmas resources are produced in partnership

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with Bible Society and CPO. As well as souvenir carols booklets to give away, there are matching posters and invitations, plus Bible Society’s ready-to-use nativity play, a video to use on social media and an attractive children’s booklet called ‘The Greatest Journey’.

HOPE is also inviting Christians to make a journey – to take a glossy Christmas HOPE magazine to every home in their area. The Christmas HOPE magazine features comedian and actor Miranda Hart, Sky Sports and former Blue Peter presenter Simon Thomas, and millionaire toy store entrepreneur Gary Grant, as well as a special feature on ‘Christmas Lunch on Jesus’ which was started in London by Jesus House.

There’s a children’s story using the Bethlehem Journey resources, a Christmas quiz and competition, plus a focus on the Christians involved in some of the heartbreaking stories which left the country reeling as tragedies unfolded in Manchester, Westminster and Grenfell Tower.

This top quality give-away magazine is specially written to help you and your church this Christmas as you invite guests to seasonal events. For just the cost of post and packing HOPE will supply free copies of Christmas HOPE, if you agree to distribute them door to door in your area. To find out more visit hopetogether.org.uk/christmas

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RCCG UK 2017/2018 NATIONAL EVENTS Friday 10th - 12th November 2017 GWF FEMALE MINISTERS’ RETREAT (REGION 1)

Saturday 14th April 2018 GOOD WOMEN FELLOWSHIP (GWF) UK ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Saturday 11th November 2017 WONDERS OF PRAYER DAY (LONDON/CARDIFF/EDINBURGH/ BELFAST)

Saturday 14th April 2018 EXCELLENT MEN CONFERENCE

Saturday 16th December 2017 PASTORS’ SEED FAMILY (PSF) UK CHRISTMAS PARTY

Wednesday 25th July 2018 RCCG WORKERS’ RALLY (SCOTLAND) Friday 27th July 2018 FESTIVAL OF LIFE (FOL) SCOTLAND

Tuesday 19th December 2017 RCCG CHILDREN, TEENAGERS’ & YOUTH (CTY) EVENT

Thursday 11th October 2018 COVENANT PARTNERS’ & FOL PARTNERS’ RECEPTION (LONDON)

Thursday 18th- Saturday 20th January 2018 RCCG UK PASTORS’ RETREAT

Saturday 13th October 2018

Tuesday 10th April 2018 RCCG WORKERS’ RALLY

GRADUATION CEREMONIES – EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Saturday 13th October 2018

ORDINATION SERVICE

Thursday 12th – Friday 13th April 2018 Tuesday 16th October 2018 ORDAINED MINISTERS’CONFERENCE (OMC) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) & RCCG WORKERS’ RALLY (LONDON) Friday 13th – Saturday 14th April 2018 PASTORS’ SEED FAMILY (PSF) UK Friday 19th October 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE FESTIVAL OF LIFE (FOL) LONDON